Matthew part 17

He is the One

The literature world has an idea called “the epic hero”. As literary nerds dissected ancient and modern stories, they realized a common thread in the great stories which tells the story of the hero. It has commonly been called “the hero’s journey,” and once you hear it, all the great movies and books start to seem redundant.

They will all typically follow the same pattern. The hero has a call to adventure, usually encountering some supernatural aid. They overcome a threshold guardian that sends them into the unknown. They face challenges and temptations that lead them into some abyss. In this abyss, they face a death and rebirth (whether literal or figurative) which gives them some great revelation. This revelation leads to transformation and atonement. They are then able to return to their home.

It’s a fascinating pattern because so many movies, books, and other storytelling tend to follow it, whether they realize it or not. You can find it in Star Wars, The Matrix, Harry Potter, and The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. That last one is most notable because C. S. Lewis even took this idea further into the theological world. Literary scholars like to talk about “Christ figures” in stories because, as Lewis points out, the story of Christ is the true history of this hero’s journey. All the stories that led up to Jesus, and all the stories that followed, all point to this singular truth in history. The one true hero of humanity has come to save us.

Now, as Christians, we are all aware Jesus is the One, but sometimes our emotions get the better of us. We may feel off because we are still dealing with a fallen world. We still are struggling with the challenges and temptations of this world.

Today, we are going to look at the time even John the Baptist had his moment of doubt. As we read Jesus’ response to John, we will find encouragement as we keep walking our own hero’s journey.

Are you the one? | Matthew 11:1-6

When Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in their cities.

Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” And Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.”

Matthew 11:1-6

We know from the other gospels John is in prison because he had spoken out against King Herod. John hears about all the miracles occurring and asks an interesting question, “Are you the one?”. It’s an interesting question because earlier we read how John identified Jesus as the Messiah already at Jesus’ baptism. This question gives us a glimpse into John’s state of mind while in prison. It would appear John is just as impatient as the disciples would be in Acts 2, and just as impatient as we can be.

It is completely understandable. John has been subjected to an unjust authority for speaking the truth. He is facing execution (and will be executed), but he knows the Messiah is supposed to restore the kingdom. John simply wants to know if Jesus is going to do what he came to do.

Jesus’ answer can be summarized as “have faith,” but Jesus isn’t calling John to a blind faith. Jesus tells John’s disciples to recount all the things they have seen. The blind receive sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear. Even the dead are raised up! The evidence points to the fact that Jesus is the Messiah promised to Israel. Jesus reminds John, the Messiah will accomplished all that needs to be accomplished.

Sometimes in our own times of doubt and frustration, we need to step back and remember all the things God has done for us. If God has accomplished miracles before, He will take care of the problem we find ourselves in. Sometimes we just need to wait a bit.

In order to stand strong in our faith, we have to remind ourselves how far God has taken us.

Last, Jesus says ‘blessed is the one who is not offended by me.’ That word ‘offended’ is the same Greek root we get the word ‘scandalized’. Jesus is saying, ‘Blessed is the one who doesn’t freak out at what is happening.’ It is easy to get lost in a downward spiral of doubt if we aren’t careful to remember the One we serve.

The next time some crisis occurs, take a moment and ask yourself, “Is Jesus still the One promised to us?” Then, take time to recount all the things Jesus has done for you so far. If you are still new in the faith, your salvation is by far the biggest, so don’t count it as small. Think back to other times in your walk you faced trials.

When did you not really see what was happening, but then Jesus made it clear?

When did you find yourself unable to walk forward in life, but Jesus picked you up and kept you walking?

When could you not hear God’s voice, but then Jesus came with a message loud and clear?

Count these blessings, name them one by one, and then you will be blessed once again as you face the next crisis with a sure faith.

And who is John? | Matthew 11:7-15

As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is he of whom it is written,

“‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face,
    who will prepare your way before you.’

Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John, and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.

Matthew 11:7-15

It is noteworthy Jesus’ celebration of John comes right after he converses with John’s disciples. John has just admitted a touch of doubt, but Jesus doesn’t chastise John or denounce him to the crowds. Jesus knows John will be just fine. In fact, John is a tremendously blessed individual. Jesus’ attention turns to the crowd because they need to hear just how faithful John has been.

Keep in mind the crowds certainly would have heard about John’s incarceration. Many of them are probably wondering if this whole Jesus Movement is going to fail just like every other Messianic movement of the previous centuries. Sometimes Christians forget Jesus wasn’t the first person to claim to be the Messiah. He just happened to be the actual Messiah. With John in prison, many of them probably believed it would only be a matter of time before Jesus is imprisoned also.

Jesus reminds them once again about the Old Testament prophecies and how they are being fulfilled before their very eyes. If they are willing to accept it, John is the returned Elijah who would prepare the way of the Lord. Yes, the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, but it will still persevere and accomplish victory!

Jesus asked them if they just came for a show. If so, they are seeing so much more! They are seeing prophecies fulfilled!

Many people will visit a church service for the show, but if they pay attention, they will find the kingdom of heaven!

Everything is Never Enough | Matthew 11:16-24

“But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their playmates,

“‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance;
    we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’

For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds.”

Then he began to denounce the cities where most of his mighty works had been done, because they did not repent. “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I tell you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for Tyre and Sidon than for you. And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? You will be brought down to Hades. For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I tell you that it will be more tolerable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom than for you.”

Matthew 11:16-24

Before Jesus begins a series of denunciations against the local cities, he makes a slightly humorous comparison. That generation of Israelites are like children playing in the streets. But they aren’t even playing well together. Some children are playing music, but the others just won’t dance. They try to play a joyful tune, and the others won’t dance. They play a dirge, and they won’t mourn. Why won’t the kids just play along?

Jesus and John did exactly what they were called to do, but the people responded like small children mad their buddies won’t go along with the foolish games. If Jesus had made this comparison in the 20th century, he might have said, “This generation is mad because John and I will not be their dancing monkey!”

Jesus points out their foolishness even more by noting John’s ministry was characterized by its strict rules against eating, drinking, and general merriment. Jesus’ ministry is characterized by its celebration of the kingdom of heaven. Which is better, to be strict or to be loose with dietary laws and customs? Apparently this generation has said, “Neither!”

The problem is not what John and Jesus are doing. The problem is what they aren’t doing. They are not going along with the status quo.

There is not enough ‘good’ someone can do for the person who refuses to believe.

This point is similar to one made in earlier texts. Before, we saw that not enough evidence exists for someone who refuses to believe. Similarly, there is not enough good that comes from Christian faith to convince the one who refuses to believe.

Consider this little thought experiment. Take a sheet of paper and divide it into two columns. On one side, list all the evil things that people have done in the Name of Jesus. It would be foolish to say that side should be blank, though we know not everyone who acts in the Name of Jesus is actually acting as Jesus would have them act. Nonetheless, list what you can. Then, on the other side, list all the good that Christianity has done for this world. This side is going to take you some time. In fact, you are going to need another sheet of paper. Contrary to what any skeptic says, Christianity has done more good for this world than any other religion, philosophy, or scientific achievement. In truth, you would be hard-pressed to find any good from those three categories that didn’t somehow originate with a Christian.

But none of that will matter for some people, because just like that first century generation, what bothers people most about Jesus is that he doesn’t fit into their categories nor will he be our dancing monkey. He doesn’t play by our rules. And nor should he.

Jesus will never fit into our own rules and games because He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He makes the rules.

Rest for the Weary Soul | Matthew 11:25-30

At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Matthew 11:25-30

Jesus finishes his teaching to the crowd by acknowledging the ultimate sovereignty of the Father. It is not up to the religious leaders, Herod, or the crowds to determine right and wrong. It isn’t up to them who should be the ones to understand the things of God. The Father determines these things with the Son. The Father and Son work together to reveal each other to those who make themselves like little children. Later, in Matthew 18, Jesus will say,

“Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”

Matthew 18:3-4

We cannot put chains on the gospel or make demands of our King and expect to be blessed. No, we must humble ourselves like obedient children. We come to Jesus on His terms. And when we do just that, we realize we have been making this whole “religion thing” way too complicated.

Jesus offers rest for the ones who have been trying too hard to be perfect.

Do you remember way back in Matthew 5? “Blessed are the poor in spirit…blessed are those who mourn…blessed are the meek.” These are not people who are so confident in their own righteousness they make demands to God! These are people who understand the gravity of their sin and failures. They understand no amount of religion or politics can ever change the heart. They need Jesus!

Jesus is offering an out for anyone who believes they can become better through self-help. He is telling the crowd (and us by extension) to get off the hamster wheel of this world.

Money can be helpful, but it won’t fulfill you.

Fame might get you in a nice restaurant, but it won’t give you rest.

A great family will be a wonderful support and place of refuge, but it won’t secure you for eternity.

The fact is humanity has been chasing that “neon rainbow” ever since the Fall. It’s time to stop running and rest in the arms of Christ. Then, we can learn from him and truly live.