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Sunday Worship 17 September 2023 : “Revealed them to babes”

Text: Matthew 11
17 September 2023

INTRODUCTION

1. The Context

a) John the Baptiser was struggling with doubts
b) He had proclaimed that the Lord Jesus was the Messiah
c) But John was languishing in jail
d) He sent two of his disciples to the Lord Jesus

2. The Response of the Lord Jesus

4 Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and tell John the things which you hear and see:
5 The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them.
6 And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.”
Matthew 11:4-6
a) The Lord Jesus was the Messiah
b) The Miracles He performed confirmed this truth
c) John is encouraged to hold fast to his faith

COMMENDATION OF JOHN THE BAPTISER

7 As they departed, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind?

8 But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Indeed, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses.

9 But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet.

10 For this is he of whom it is written:
‘Behold, I send My messenger before Your face,
Who will prepare Your way before You.’

11 “Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.

13 For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.

14 And if you are willing to receive it, he is Elijah who is to come.

15 He who has ears to hear, let him hear!

Matthew 11:7-15

1. John is more than a prophet   (Matthew 11:9)

2. John is the special messenger sent by God   (Matthew 11:10)

3. He is Elijah in spirit   (Matthew 11:14)

CONDEMNATION OF THE GENERATION OF THE LORD JESUS

16 “But to what shall I liken this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their companions,

17 and saying:
‘We played the flute for you,
And you did not dance;
We mourned to you,
And you did not lament.’

18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’

19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ But wisdom is justified by her children.”

20 Then He began to rebuke the cities in which most of His mighty works had been done, because they did not repent:

21 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.

22 But I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the day of judgment than for you.

23 And you, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, will be brought down to Hades; for if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.

24 But I say to you that it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment than for you.”

Matthew 11:16-24

1. The generation of the Lord Jesus described as “contrary children”   (Matthew 11:16-17)

2. It was an unrepentant generation   (Mathew 11:20-24)

3. They will face judgment

CLOSE COMMUNION WITH GOD THE FATHER

25 At that time Jesus answered and said, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes.

26 Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight.

27 All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.

Matthew 11:25-27

1. A prayer of thanksgiving

2. A prayer of deep insight

a) “The wise and prudent” cannot understand the Lord Jesus
b) “The babes” are given revelation
c) This was well within the Will of God
d) The Lord Jesus will reveal knowledge of God the Father as He sees fit

A CHALLENGE TO COME TO THE LORD JESUS

28 Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Matthew 11:28-30

1. To come to the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation

2. To take His yoke and learn from Him

3. There will be true rest for the soul

4. The Lord will reveal deep knowledge to those who truly follow Him

CONCLUSION

1. Deep spiritual knowledge

a) This is not easy to obtain
b) The wise and prudent may not comprehend deep truths

2. Dependence on the Lord Jesus Christ

a) In our relationship with Him
b) In our regard for Him

3. Discernment for Disciples

a) It will be given to those who truly follow the Lord Jesus
b) Discipleship is essential