Third Sunday in Advent

Sermon Text: Matthew 11:2-11

Other Readings: Isaiah 35 and James 5:7-11

 

The text makes note that John was in prison. Reliable historical tradition tells us that John was imprisoned by King Herod at a place called Machaerus. You can learn more about that place via Wikipedia and YouTube.

 

  1. There has long been debate about whether or not John the Baptist asked the question for his own benefit or if he sent the question through his disciples for their benefit. At the end of the day, it doesn’t affect the meaning of the text, but what do you think is more likely–that the question originated in John or in his disciples? Why do you think that?
     
  2. In verse 5, Jesus is intentionally echoing Isaiah chapter 35, which is a prophecy about the kinds of things he would do as Messiah. What deeds does Jesus add in verse 5 that are not found in Isaiah 35? Why do you think he adds them?
     
  3. In our Second Reading, James describes the Lord as “full of compassion and mercy” (James 5:11). Where do you see Jesus’ compassion and mercy as he talks to John’s disciples and to the crowd? How can that help you when you have questions of faith?
     
  4. What are some questions of faith that you have? Over the course of the week, pray about those and ask your pastor for help in searching Scripture for passages that speak to those questions.

 

  1. Martin Luther thought that John was asking the question for his disciples’ benefit because he knew he would soon be executed and he wanted his disciples to be prepared to follow Jesus after the execution. More recent commentators, even Lutheran ones, say that the most natural reading of the text is that John himself had doubts because of his condition in prison.
     
  2. Jesus adds that the dead are raised and the gospel is preached to the poor. Ultimately, these are the things that Jesus came to do. By preaching the gospel to those who see themselves as spiritually poor, Jesus raises them to new spiritual life through faith. That same faith will lead to their resurrection from the dead. This is the ultimate goal for Christians!
     
  3. Answers may vary, but overall we see the gentle and sincere way that he answered the question of those who were having some doubts. Then, we also see how Jesus speaks well of John the Baptist and defends him in front of the crowd. This encourages us because it shows us how Jesus will deal with us weak sinners with his gentleness, sincerity, and generosity.
     
  4. God bless your prayer life, your search of Scripture, and your relationship with your pastor!