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In Matthew 11:25-30, we see God’s sovereignty and human responsibility on a collision course. And somehow, in that tension, there is rest to be found in Christ. There are three main realities we discover in this passage: (1) pride is the greatest obstacle in having a relationship with God, (2) He who knows not the Son, knows not God, and (3) he who has the Son has rest.

Questions:

1)    C.S. Lewis wrote “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less”. How might thinking of humility in this way, help us combat pride?

2)    Has God ever felt distant? How can knowing Jesus help in this circumstance?

3)    In what have you attempted to find rest in the past, and how have these failed? Can you repurpose these energies and desires for the work, and subsequent rest, that God has called you to?

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In Matthew 11:1-11, we are reintroduced to John the Baptist who has been imprisoned while Jesus’ministry is flourishing. While imprisoned, John has some doubts about Jesus being the Messiah. His doubts rise from some of the same sources that doubt grows from in our lives; namely, difficult situations, unmet expectations, and limited perception. Jesus’ antidote for John’s doubt is the same for ours: God’s Word, and what Christ has done. While John could only look at the miracles Christ had done, we can look upon the cross, where Christ bore our sin and shame.

1. How has doubt been a struggle in your own relationship with God? What truths from God's Word were the most difficult to believe in the midst of your doubts?

2. How can difficulties, disappointments, and suffering feed into our doubts?

3. Why is it futile to fight doubt apart from the foundation of God's Word?

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There is a popular perception of a comfortable and easygoing Jesus, but Jesus' teachings were often focused on hardship and suffering. In Matthew 10, Jesus commissions His apostles a mission to take the gospel to the lost sheep of Israel, emphasizing the impending suffering and persecution they would face. While their mission had specific characteristics and demands, there are six principles for the gospel mission we are called to: (1) compassion, (2) reaching the least, (3) dependence on giving, (4) commendable character, (5) proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and (6) recognizing the dangerous, yet rewarding nature of the mission. The ultimate motivation for enduring these hardships is the promise of finding true life by surrendering to Christ.

Questions:

1) What mission situations tend to be the most difficult for you? Jesus speaks of being like sheep, snakes, and doves in Matthew 10. How would this apply to your current context?

2) What aspects of being like Christ cause you the most fear and anxiety? What promises in God's Word might bolster your security and joy?

3) What aspects of God's character in Matthew 10 ground our confidence in Christ's mission?

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Teachings of Jesus in Matthew 10 remind us of the true nature of the Christian mission. Jesus calls us to pick up our crosses and follow Him, emphasizing that suffering is an integral part of the journey. While the apostles had a specific mission, we can take valuable principles from their commission for our own lives today. Our mission is founded on compassion, simplicity, godly character, and the proclamation of the kingdom message. It is a mission of great importance, despite its dangers, and it's one worth dedicating our lives to.

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In Matthew 9:35 to 10:4, we see that the kind of risk-taking discipleship that Scripture calls for will not be a reality in our lives until we see the lost as Jesus sees them. At the end of chapter 9, Matthew closes out a section of Jesus’ miracle stories and teach on discipleship by pointing to Jesus’ compassion for those who needed Him. The motive for our mission is compassion. And the means of our mission is prayer and people, but in the end we put our trust in the “Lord of the Harvest” to do what He can only do: save.

Questions:

How can you embody the compassion of Christ in your everyday interactions with others? What practical steps can you take to show kindness and empathy to those you encounter?

Do the massive spiritual needs of the world compel you to action or make you feel helpless? How might Jesus’ call to pray in 9:38 impact your reaction?

Consider the concept of "laborers" in the harvest. In what unexpected places or among unexpected people might God be calling you to share His love and message?

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SUMMARY:

In Matthew 9:27-34, two blind men fervently seek Jesus, addressing Him as the "Son of David," a Messianic title. Their faith moves Jesus, who touches their eyes, restoring their sight. Their miraculous healing spreads awe throughout the region. However, not everyone rejoices; the Pharisees attribute Jesus's work to demonic forces, revealing their spiritual blindness. Jesus emphasizes that His miracles are a manifestation of God's kingdom and invites us to see with spiritual eyes. This passage illustrates the power of faith, the compassion of Christ, and the ongoing battle between belief and skepticism. It reminds us that true sight comes through faith in Jesus, the Son of David, our Savior.

QUESTIONS:

Like the blind men in this passage, we all face challenges and difficulties in life. How can their unwavering faith inspire us to trust in Jesus even when facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles?

Reflect on instances when you might have been spiritually blind or skeptical about God's work in your life or in the lives of others. How can this passage encourage you to open your heart to God's transformative power and recognize His presence?

Just as the news of Jesus's miraculous healing spread throughout the region, how can you actively share the stories of God's work and grace in your life with others? In what ways can you be a witness to the transformative power of faith in Jesus Christ?

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