“Are You the Coming One, or Should we Expect Another?” Scripture Reading: Matthew 11:1-30

Introduction Past evidences and assurances of the truth of the person and purpose of the Lord Jesus Christ can be tested and shaken under severe circumstances. This happened to John the Baptizer.

John’s Recognition of Jesus As a pre-born baby Lk 1:15, 41, 44 As the adult forerunner of the Messiah Matt 3:13-17 Jn 1:29-34

John’s Message Concerning Jesus Primary message: “Repent, the kingdom of the heavens is at hand!” Matt 3:2 An additional message: “Behold the Lamb of God who is taking the sin of the world.” Jn 1:29

John’s Dilemma of Doubt Causes of his doubt: He is in prison and the expected kingdom is not in sight. Matt 4:12, 14:1-12 The Holy Spirit filling seems to have been removed. The timing of the Messiah’s becoming the Savior for sin and the becoming the King is unclear to John. Gal 4:4-5; Rom 11:25-26; Acts 15:4 The Body of Christ, which is the Church, is still a mystery at this time.

John’s Three Questions Are you the coming one? OR Do we expect another (of the same kind)? OR Lk 7:19-20 Do we expect another (of a different kind)? Matt 11:3; cf Matt 16:13-16

Jesus’ Response to John’s Questions “Tell John what you are hearing and seeing.” Matt 11:4-6 cf Jn 7:31

Conclusion Jesus authentic credentials as the promised Messiah, Savior, and King continued from His birth, through His earthly ministry, on to His death, resurrection and ascension. He IS the Christ, the Son of the living God! And He is coming again!

He Has Come for Us (God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen) by Meredith Andrews

God rest ye merry gentlemen Let nothing you dismay Remember Christ, our Savior Was born on Christmas day

To save us all from Satan's power When we were gone astray O, tidings of comfort and joy Comfort and joy O, tidings of comfort and joy

He has come for us This Jesus He's the Hope for all Mankind He has come for us The Messiah Born to give us Life

From God, our heavenly Father A blessed angel came And unto certain shepherds Brought tidings of the same

How that Bethlehem was born The Son of God by name O, tidings of comfort and joy Comfort and joy O, tidings of comfort and joy

He has come for us This Jesus He's the Hope for all Mankind He has come for us The Messiah Born to give us Life

All the angels say "Hallelujah. "Jesus Christ is born All the angels say "Hallelujah! "Jesus Christ is born!" All God’s children sing "Hallelujah! "He is Christ the Lord!"

He has come for us This Jesus He's the Hope for all Mankind He has come for us The Messiah Born to give us Life

Merry Christmas!