1. 1 John the Baptist Messenger of the Messiah Matthew 11:1-19 (Matt. 3:1-6; Isa. 40:3; Mal. 3:1; 4:5-6)

2. 2 John in Prison Matt. 11:2-19; 14:3-4 Is Jesus the Coming One? Is Jesus the Coming One? What kind of Messiah were they to look for? What kind of Messiah were they to look for? Would the kingdom come as announced? Would the kingdom come as announced? Jesus called John’s attention to His works & words (11:4-5) Jesus called John’s attention to His works & words (11:4-5)

3. 3 John: The Man Matthew 11:1-15 A man of faith under trial, 11:2-6; Jno. 1:29-34; 3:25-30 A man of faith under trial, 11:2-6; Jno. 1:29-34; 3:25-30  Accept Christ on His terms & don’t be offended, 11:4-6; Isa. 35:5-6 (42:7; 61:1-3) Rom. 9:32-33  Be strengthened, 1 Pet. 1:5-9

4. 4 John: The Man Matthew 11:1-15 A man of conviction, not convenience 11:7 (Matt. 3:7-8; 11:2; 14:3-4) A man of conviction, not convenience 11:7 (Matt. 3:7-8; 11:2; 14:3-4)  Stand fast in one spirit…not terrified, Phil. 1:27-28  God-given spirit of power, 2 Tim. 1:7

5. 5 John: The Man Matthew 11:1-15 A man of sacrifice, not comfort, 11:8 A man of sacrifice, not comfort, 11:8  Not self-indulgence, Matt. 10:37-39 (Lk. 9:23; 14:33); Rom. 12:1-2  Devoted to God…different for God’s sake, Lk. 1:15; Phil. 3:8

6. 6 John: The Man Matthew 11:1-15 A man of truth, 11:9 A man of truth, 11:9  Word of God was on his lips, Lk. 3:2-3 (Mk. 6:18)  Faith, character & conduct are built upon truth, Jno. 8:31-32  Watchful endurance, 2 Tim. 4:2-5

7. 7 John: The Man Matthew 11:1-15 Taught people to press into the kingdom, 11:11-15 Taught people to press into the kingdom, 11:11-15  Preached kingdom of God, Lk. 16:16  Preached repentance, Lk. 3:7-8; 7:29-30  Superior blessings of kingdom, 11:11  Anticipated kingdom realized, 11:13-15

8. 8 Reactions to John Matthew 11:1-19 Some saw John as a curiosity, 11:7-8 Some saw John as a curiosity, 11:7-8  His clothing & lifestyle, Matt. 3:4  What he talked about, Matt. 3:2  His unyielding resolve, 11:7, 2 (Matt. 3:7)

9. 9 Reactions to John Matthew 11:1-19 Some considered John a prophet, 11:9-11 Some considered John a prophet, 11:9-11  Accepted his word & baptism, Lk. 7:29  More than a prophet: Messiah’s forerunner, 11:10 (Isa. 40:3) Messiah’s forerunner, 11:10 (Isa. 40:3) The prophesied “Elijah”, 11:14 (17:9-13) The prophesied “Elijah”, 11:14 (17:9-13)

10. 10 Reactions to John Matthew 11:1-19 Most rejected him & his message, 11:16-18 (Lk. 7:30) Most rejected him & his message, 11:16-18 (Lk. 7:30)  Demanding nature of message, Jno. 5:35  Same true of Jesus (Jno. 6:60, 66; Matt. 23:37)  Same true when you stand in truth today, 2 Tim. 4:3-5 Continue your love & service, 2 Cor. 12:15; Gal. 4:16 Continue your love & service, 2 Cor. 12:15; Gal. 4:16

11. 11 Wisdom of men rejected messenger & Messiah (John and Jesus) Wisdom of men rejected messenger & Messiah (John and Jesus) Wise person believes in Jesus Christ Wise person believes in Jesus Christ Enter the kingdom now (Col. 1:13) Enter the kingdom now (Col. 1:13)

12. 12 Wisdom is Justified Matt. 11:16-19 Wisdom of men rejected messenger & Messiah (John and Jesus) Wisdom of men rejected messenger & Messiah (John and Jesus) Wise person believes in Jesus Christ Wise person believes in Jesus Christ Enter the kingdom now (Col. 1:13) Enter the kingdom now (Col. 1:13)