JESUS TAKES OVER JOHN THE BAPTIST'S MINISTRY

Matthew 11:1-19
Key Verses: 11:4-6

    "Jesus replied,  Go back and report to John what you hear and
     see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have
     leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the
     good news is preached to the poor. Blessed is the man who
     does not fall away on account of me."

 
1. Read verses 1-3. Where was John the Baptist? Why? (14:3) What was
   Jesus doing? Why did John send his disciples to Jesus?

2. Read verses 4-6. How did Jesus answer John's question?  What did
   Jesus  answer mean? What did it mean to John?  Why did he answer
   like this?

3. Read verses 7-10. What did Jesus remind the crowd about John? What
   was John's mission? Why was it so important?

4. Read verses 11-15. What did Jesus teach about John's greatness? Who
   is truly great? What does this mean? How was the kingdom advancing
   forcefully? In what way was John a forceful man?

5. Read verses 15-19. How did Jesus see the people of his time? How did
   the people criticize both Jesus and John?  How does this children s
   game reveal the crowds indifference and lack of interest in truth?