READ MATTHEW 11:1-6

John the Baptist, the one who prepared the way for Jesus, found himself imprisoned and facing doubt. The weight of his circumstances led him to question whether Jesus was truly the Messiah. In our lives, doubt often creeps in when we face trials and tribulations. We may wonder if God is still with us during difficult times.

What is remarkable about John’s doubt is that he didn’t keep it to himself; he sought answers. Instead of allowing doubt to fester in silence, he sent his disciples to inquire of Jesus. When we experience doubt, we should follow John’s example and seek God through prayer, Scripture, and the counsel of wise believers.

When grappling with doubt, which is a natural facet of our faith journey, we discover that questioning and wrestling with our beliefs can lead to profound growth and a deeper connection with Jesus. Doubt, if brought to Jesus, can be a transformative path toward a more authentic and unwavering faith. It serves as a reminder that, even in moments of faltering, the grace and presence of God remain steadfast, ready to guide us through our spiritual explorations.

1. Take a moment to reflect on the words of Matthew 11:1–6. What does John’s doubting teach us? What can we learn from him and from Jesus?

READ MATTHEW 11:7-15

As great as John the Baptist was, someone who is “least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” What’s Jesus saying here? He’s defining the incredible value of those who are part of God’s kingdom, which includes anyone who sees and surrenders their life to Christ as their King. Even the most seemingly insignificant person who does that is greater than the greatest life to have lived (John).

If you’ve surrendered your life to Jesus as your Lord, He defines your identity as being greater than the great John the Baptist. Why? Because you’ve become part of something so much greater than you could ever be on your own. You’re a citizen of God’s eternal kingdom and everything it embodies. This makes you greater than anything this world or even you could believe about yourself! Be sure Jesus is the one defining your sense of identity. What He says about you is all that truly matters because only He can define who you truly are.

2. Why is one’s sense of identity such a powerful factor in life, and how does Jesus factor into this?

READ MATTHEW 11:16-19

Jesus tells us here that the generation of his time was more concerned about superficial appearances and their own expectations than on the message of God’s kingdom. Like the religious leaders of the day, if we’re not careful, we can be more concerned with appearing holy than actually being holy.

3. What’s the difference between the type of holiness Jesus described here and true holiness?

READ MATTHEW 11:20-24

These last few verses should spark two reactions in us… The first is gratitude. It should lead us to say, “Thank You, Lord, opening my eyes and allowing me to see my need to repent and to be restored to You!” This all flows from a deep sense of knowing that it’s only by God’s grace that we weren’t in among those of whom Jesus was referring.

But the second reaction is one of self-evaluation. We should ask ourselves, “Am I somehow sharing the guilt of not acting on all the Lord has revealed to me? Have I gotten too good at disguising a resistance to follow through on something the authority of God is calling me to?” If we allow the Spirit of God to illuminate the darker corners of our heart, we usually come to see there’s something that needs to be addressed in repentance.

To those who’ve been given much, much is expected. In Christ, God has revealed more to us than we could possibly ask for. What are we doing with it?

4. Why did Jesus have such heavy things to say to those who lived in Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum?
5. What stuck out to you most in Matthew 11:1-24?
6. How can you apply what you learned in these 24 verses?

This Week

Consider the evidence of God’s presence and power in your life. Recall moments when God has answered your prayers, provided for you, or guided you through challenges. Write down these instances as reminders of His faithfulness.

Memory Verse

“Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”—Matthew 11:11 (NIV)

Prayer Guide

Father, I come before You with open hearts, acknowledging the doubts and questions that sometimes cloud my faith. Just as John the Baptist sought answers, I come to You seeking clarity and understanding. Help me, Lord, to be honest in my inquiries, knowing that You welcome my doubts and seek to strengthen my faith. As I seek answers to my questions, grant me wisdom, discernment, and a deeper understanding of Your Word. May I find reassurance in the evidence of Your presence and power in my life and the lives of those around me,, just as Jesus demonstrated His divinity through His works. Thank You, Lord, for Your unwavering love and grace. Help me not to stumble in my faith but to trust in You even when I have doubts. May my faith grow stronger as I learn to rely on Your promises. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

If you have questions you aren’t sure of, please reach out to us at CalvaryFTL.org/Questions.