Hear, See, Be Blessed:

Context:

John the Baptist is sitting in prison for proclaiming truth that people (Herodias) didn't want to hear.

Mark 6:17-19 "...For it was Herod who had sent and seized John and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because he had married her. For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” And Herodias had a grudge against him and wanted to put him to death. But she could not,..."

John the Baptist sends his disciples to ask Jesus if he is the real deal, or is there another.

Jesus responds with reference to hearing, seeing, and not being offended.

Matthew 11:4-6 “...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...”

Luke 7:22-23 "...And he answered them, “Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the poor have good news preached to them. And blessed is the one who is not offended by me...”

Why might John the Baptist need reassurance and clarification?

- he had been preaching about the coming Messiah.

- he was expecting the Messiah to overcome wickedness, judge sin, and bring in His kingdom.

- he was now sitting in jail (possibly for a year), about to lose his life.

Do we ever need reassurance and clarification?

How do we get reassurance and clarification?

- hearing and seeing how God has worked through history.

- hearing and seeing how God is working in our world.

- facing our current situations without insisting on our own way.

- not being confused by who Jesus is and what Jesus does, even when it is contrary to our expectations.

Why would someone be offended by Jesus?

- people are offended when their expectations are insulted.

- people are offended when they don't get their own way.

- even John the Baptist appeared to be confused by the coming of a servant King, rather than a ruling King.

When and how has Jesus disappointed you by not performing up to your expectations?

Whose problem is this?

What do you Seek?

Context:

- John's disciples have left.

- Jesus begins to speak to the crowds about John.

Matthew 11:7-10 "...As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is he of whom it is written, “ ‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.’..."

Luke 7:24-27 "...What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who are dressed in splendid clothing and live in luxury are in kings’ courts. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is he of whom it is written, “ ‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you...’

Was John weak and easily shaken like a reed?

- John was a true prophet, sent by God to proclaim the need for repentance.

Malachi 3:1 “...Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts..."

Isaiah 40:3 "...A voice cries: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God..."

How did Jesus expect the crowd to view John the Baptist?

- with the utmost respect.