WHAT THE MESSIAH DOES
Matthew 11:1-19
Key verse 5
After instructing and sending his apostles, what did Jesus himself continue to do (1; 4:23; 9:35)? From prison, what did John the Baptist hear about and what was his question (2-3)? What expectations might they have had for the Messiah (3:12)?
What did Jesus tell John’s disciples to do (4)? Why is what we hear and see important? Read verse 5. What specific things did Jesus mention and how does this answer John’s question (Isa 35:5-6, 61:1)? Who did Jesus declare blessed and what does this mean (6)?
What did Jesus compare John to and why had the crowds gone to see him (7-9a)? What did Jesus testify about John and his mission (9b-10)? Why should the crowds know this?
What did Jesus teach about John's greatness, who is greater, and why (11)? How has the kingdom of heaven been subjected to violence since John’s time (12)? What is John’s place in God’s redemptive history, and what does it imply about Jesus (13-15; Mal 4:5)?
How did Jesus see the people of his time and what does this mean (16-17)? How did the people criticize both Jesus and John and what does this show about them (19a)? How is wisdom proved right (19b)? How does this apply to John, Jesus and the kingdom?