4/29/12

"THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW" Chapter Eleven by Mark Copeland

                        "THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW"

                             Chapter Eleven

While the apostles were fulfilling the limited commission, Jesus was
approached by emissaries from John the Baptist who received confirmation
that He was "The Coming One" (1-6).  Jesus revealed that John was "The
Messenger" foretold by Malachai and that many were inconsistent in their
opposition to both Jesus and John (7-19).  Jesus then rebuked cities
which did not repent at His teaching (20-24), and at the same time
extended a tender invitation to those who would accept His teaching
(25-30).

POINTS TO PONDER

   *  The relationship between Jesus and John the Baptist

   *  Why the day of judgment will be more tolerable for Tyre, Sidon,
      and Sodom than it will be for Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum

   *  The Savior’s tender invitation to those with troubled souls

REVIEW QUESTIONS

1) What are the main points of this chapter?
   - John’s disciples come to Jesus - Mt 11:1-6
   - Jesus’ discourse regarding John the Baptist - Mt 11:7-19
   - Woe to impenitent cities - Mt 11:20-24
   - The Savior’s prayer and tender invitation - Mt 11:25-30

2) Why did John send two disciples to Jesus? (2-3)
   - To confirm that Jesus was "The Coming One"

3) What evidence did Jesus offer to John’s disciples? (4-5)
   - His miracles, and the fact that the poor have the gospel preached
     to them

4) What two O.T. prophecies did Jesus say that John fulfilled? (10,14)
   - Mal 3:1 and Mal 4:5

5) Who did Jesus say would be greater than John the Baptist? (11)
   - He who is least in the kingdom of heaven

6) How did some people describe John and Jesus? (18-19)
   - John:  having a demon
   - Jesus:  a glutton, winebibber, and friend of sinners and tax
     collectors

7) Why did Jesus rebuke the cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and
   Capernaum? (20)
   - Because they saw His might works and yet did not repent

8) To whom did Jesus extend His invitation?  What did He expect in
   return? (28-30)
   - To all who labor and are heavy laden (by the guilt of sin)
   - To take His yoke upon them and learn from Him (become His disciple)