October 18, 2026 · Pastor Matt Stokes
Pastor Matt Stokes
Matthew 11:1-19
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“And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities.” — Matthew 11:1
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“Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples,” — Matthew 11:2
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“And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?” — Matthew 11:3
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Even a man who knows God can struggle to understand what God is doing.
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“Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see:” — Matthew 11:4
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“The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.” — Matthew 11:5
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Jesus was anchoring John in truths he already believed, while helping him understand them more fully.
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“And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.” — Matthew 11:6
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Don’t let disappointed expectations become an obstacle to faith.
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A season of waiting doesn't mean the Lord has stopped working.
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“And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind?” — Matthew 11:7
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“But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses.” — Matthew 11:8
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“But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet.” — Matthew 11:9
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“For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.” — Matthew 11:10
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“Verily I say unto you, among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” — Matthew 11:11
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A moment of uncertainty doesn't erase a lifetime of faithfulness.
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“And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.” — Matthew 11:12
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Following God's will doesn't mean life will always become easier.
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“For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.” — Matthew 11:13
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“And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come.” — Matthew 11:14
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“He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.” — Matthew 11:15
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It's one thing to hear God's Word. It's another thing to respond to it.
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Faithfulness is measured by obedience to God's calling, not by mere inspiration.
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“But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows,” — Matthew 11:16
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“And saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented.” — Matthew 11:17
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“For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil.” — Matthew 11:18
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“The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.” — Matthew 11:19
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It's easier to dismiss the messenger than examine ourselves.
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Am I finding fault to avoid surrender?
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“But wisdom is justified of her children.” — Matthew 11:19
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The fruit reveals the wisdom behind the work.
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“He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.” — Matthew 11:15
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The goal isn't simply to hear the truth. It's to be changed by it.
