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    Jun 27, 2021

    Imagine a Preacher with Doubts

    Passage: Matthew 11:1-6

    Speaker: Doug Swagerty

    Category: Sermon

    Sermon Summary:
    Jesus meets us where we are. He is not offended by our doubts. John the Baptist's question to Jesus shows us
     
    Why We Doubt:
    (1) Life is Difficult
    • John followed God, and is now stuck in prison with a grim future. He is suffering, disappointed and fearful.

    (2) Jesus' Claims are Often Outrageous
    • They are emotionally and intellectually disturbing. He claims all authority, wisdom, power and allegiance. John is on the cusp of being offended by Jesus and stumbling in his doubt.

    (3) Jesus' Agenda is Often Confusing
    • John lived a life of stern deprivation, and expected the Messiah to institute spectacular top-down political and social change. But Jesus comes in peace, celebrating, preaching and healing among the poor and insignificant. Then he starts talking about forgiving his enemies and laying down his life for them. John doesn't get it.


    Jesus' Response:
    (1) Your doubts are OK
    • Jesus didn't rebuke John's question, but recognizes John is asking a genuine question because he is suffering and confused.


    (2) Don't be scandalized by me
    • Scandalized people express their doubts from a place of pride. But John expresses his doubts from a place of humility: "Are you the one who is to come?" Knowing who God is is the foundation for addressing our doubts.
    • We can be scandalized by what Jesus prioritizes and asks us to do. But if Jesus really is who He claims to be, He has the right to demand anything and everything from us, and His priorities are for our good.


    (3) Come to Me
    • Doubts are okay, but we can't stay in them. At some point we must come to Jesus to grapple with His claims and agenda.
    • In verses 4-5 (alluding to Isaiah 61:1), Jesus is telling John, the sign of the Messiah is that He reverses the curse, and the good news is, this is not something you must do, but something I am doing for you. It's not about the quality of your faith, but the object of your faith. I am the Savior you need. Come to Me.



    Discussion Questions:
    1. What are some of your doubts about Jesus?
    2. Read Luke 4:16-21 together. This scene kicks off Jesus' public ministry, and sums up His mission. How does this passage impact your own doubts and suffering?
    3. How can this group help each other address your doubts?
    4. Pray for each other.