Matthew 11:12 KJV And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.

What did Jesus mean when He said this?

In the life of a man in bondage, there comes a pivotal moment, when he is  stirred up to break free from his bondage or evil. This stirring up is likened to hearing the cry, “Prepare ye the way of the Lord!” (i.e., the state of John the Baptist). This voice calls a man to rise up and make his journey towards freedom. However, in an attempt to respond to such an awakening, the man must be cautious not to go ahead of the Lord, or employ his own wisdom to break free. There’s an approach and understanding we ought to have towards our deliverance. What characterises this approach? 

In this message, “The Kingdom Suffers Violence,” Pastor Jeffrey Walter elucidates the meaning behind Jesus' statement: “The kingdom of heaven suffereth violence and the violent take it by force.” He delivers knowledge of how to respond to the voice of the Lord in the wilderness and goes on to highlight the importance of willingly subjecting our desire to be free to the wisdom of God. 

This message will inspire you to reassess your approach to seeking freedom from any bondage and implore you to commit to walking step by step with the Lord on your journey to freedom. Beloved, to attain freedom, you must walk hand in hand with the Lord. May this message encourage you on this path with Him. 

Theme Passages: Matthew 3: 1- 9 KJV; Matthew 11: 7- 12 KJV

Key Scriptures:

Matthew 11:12 KJV

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

Isaiah 52: 11-12 KJV

Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean thing; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the Lord.

12 For ye shall not go out with haste, nor go by flight: for the Lord will go before you; and the God of Israel will be your reward.

Other Scripture:  Psalm 127:1 KJV