MATTHEW

Chapter 11

read this chapter

STUDY:

  • Where did Jesus go after instructing his disciples?
  • What was John's question concerning Jesus?
  • What was Jesus' response?
  • What did Jesus say about John in verse 11?
  • What did people say about John?
  • Comparably, what did people say about Jesus?
  • What cities did Jesus announce as unrepentant?
  • What things have been given to Jesus by the Father?
  • What is Jesus' invitation at the end of this chapter?

DIG DEEPER:

  • Why did John question whether Jesus was the "Messiah"?
  • What is Jesus implying in verses 16-19?
  • What is a "yoke" (not the egg "yolk"!)?  How is it significant in this promise?

APPLICATION:

  • Jesus compares the generation to "children sitting in the marketplace and calling to their playmates".  After reading the study notes I understood this section (vs 16-19) to mean that the people in that (and this) generation reject Christ and the gospel because He doesn't tolerate sin and doesn't do things the way they expected Him to.  Do you follow Jesus and His way 100%, or do you try to conform Him to your ways? In what specific ways do you wish He would tolerate the life you are living?  In what areas do you need to submit to Him 100%?
  • Jesus gave warning and cursed the cities who were unrepentant.  Is there an area of your life that Jesus is giving you warning about?  Will you stay unrepentant and receive the eternal consequences, or will you repent and follow Him?
  • Verses 28-30 are so comforting.  How do you receive His message of rest in your life?  

Read my thoughts on this chapter:

HIGHLIGHTED TEXT:

"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."  {Verses 28-30}

    QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS?

INTERESTING NOTES:

  • "Messengers from John the Baptist" is also written in Luke 7:18-36
  •  A "yoke" is "the wooden frame joining two animals (usually oxen) for pulling heavy loads was a metaphor for one person's subjection to another, and a common metaphor in Judaism for the law." (ESV Study Bible notes, Crossway Bibles)