Week of June 24, 2013

1. Read Matthew 11:1-19.
2. (For married people):  When did you know that the person you married was "the one"?  What tipped you off?  (For unmarried):  What is the sign you look for in a mate to tell you "this is the one"?
3. Having instructed His disciples in the nature of ministry (10:1-42), what does Jesus now do (v.1) that models the same?  What is significant about that?
4. Who questions Jesus (v. 2)?  Where is John?  How did he land in prison (see Matthew 14:1-5)?
5. How might prison have given rise to John's doubts (v. 3)?
6. Does Jesus answer John more with promises or with evidence?  Why?  How might John, hwo knew the Old Testament well, have interpreted Jesus' reply (see Isaiah 35:5-6 and 61:1)?  What encouragement does Jesus add for John in v. 6?
7. How was John different from a swaying weak reed or a well-groomed politician?  What does Jesus say about John?
8. How does John fulfill Old Testament prophecy (see Malachi 3:1, 4:5-6)?  In what way does he exhibit the faith of the Old Testament?
9. In what way is a New Testament believer greater than John (see Matthew 18:3-4)?
10. How do the people respond to John?  To Jesus?  How were the people like the children pictured here?
11. In those periods of discouragement and doubt, what most renews your courage and faith?
12. In what specific way can you be an encourager to someone in church leadership?  In your family?  Among your friends?
13. Pray for one another....