Can we find rest in Jesus in the midst of a troubled world? Did John the Baptist need rest from doubt?
After Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he left and began teaching and preaching in the towns. John was in prison when he heard what Christ was doing. So John sent some of his followers to ask Jesus, “Are you the one we should be looking for? Or must we wait for someone else?” (Matthew 11:1-3 CEV)
Did Jesus’ answer reveal the real cause of their doubt? In severe trials, do we also feel abandoned by Christ?
And Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.” (Matthew 11:4-6 ESV)
What did Jesus say about John?
As these men went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swaying in the wind? What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothes? Look, those who wear soft clothes are in kings’ palaces. But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and far more than a prophet. This is the one it is written about: Look, I am sending My messenger ahead of You; he will prepare Your way before You. (Matthew 11:7-10 HCSB)
Was John a great man?
Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. (Matthew 11:11 KJV)
Violent Takeover
Does God’s kingdom on earth suffer violence? Has that continued throughout Christian history?
From the time of John the Baptist until now, violent people have been trying to take over the kingdom of heaven by force. (Matthew 11:12 CEV)
Was John a second Elijah?
For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. And if you are willing to accept it, John himself is Elijah who was to come. The one who has ears to hear, let him hear. (Matthew 11:13-15 NASB)
Was that generation like children wanting the prophets to dance to their tune instead of preaching God’s message? Is our’s?
But to what shall I liken this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their companions, and saying: ‘We played the flute for you, And you did not dance; We mourned to you, And you did not lament.’ (Matthew 11:16-17 NKJV)
What accusations did people make? Are similar accusations still made regarding legitimate personal choices?
For John didn’t spend his time eating and drinking, and you say, ‘He’s possessed by a demon.’ The Son of Man, on the other hand, feasts and drinks, and you say, ‘He’s a glutton and a drunkard, and a friend of tax collectors and other sinners!’ But wisdom is shown to be right by its results.” (Matthew 11:18-19 NLT)
Unrepentant Cities
What judgment awaits those who reject Jesus?
Then he began to denounce the cities in which most of his mighty works had been done, because they didn’t repent. “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon which were done in you, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. You, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, you will go down to Hades. For if the mighty works had been done in Sodom which were done in you, it would have remained until today. But I tell you that it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom on the day of judgment, than for you.” (Matthew 11:20-24 WEB)
To whom are the secrets of God revealed?
At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you’ve hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have shown them to babies. Indeed, Father, this brings you happiness. My Father has handed all things over to me. No one knows the Son except the Father. And nobody knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wants to reveal him.” (Matthew 11:25-27 CEB)
True Sabbath Rest
Nowhere in the entire New Testament is a rest on either Saturday or Sunday commanded. Choosing a rest day remains a valid personal choice, but not a mandate. Did Jesus give a spiritual application of the day of rest?
If you are tired from carrying heavy burdens, come to me and I will give you rest. Take the yoke I give you. Put it on your shoulders and learn from me. I am gentle and humble, and you will find rest. This yoke is easy to bear, and this burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30 CEV)
Those who rest in Jesus are rejected by the worldly wise. Whether or not we choose a particular day for rest, do we rest in Jesus? You decide!
