Tell Me Without Telling Me You're the Messiah

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGUnnQ9pZpw

OUTLINE:

Main Point: Because Jesus is who he says he is, we follow him even when he is not the Messiah we want.

I. Viewing Jesus through Doubt v1-6

II. Grasping Hard Truths v7-15

III. Accepting the Irregular Jesus v16-20

Beyond the Walls (Grace and Growth)

https://www.persecution.com/globalprayerguide/

Weekly Reading:

Day 1 — When Doubt Appears

Scripture: Matthew 11:1–6; Isaiah 35:5–6

1. When have difficult circumstances caused you to question what Jesus is doing in your life?

2. How does looking at what Scripture says about the Messiah strengthen your faith when doubts arise?

3. What would it look like for you to trust Christ even when His work in your life looks different from what you expected?

Day 2 — Not Offended by Jesus

Scripture: Matthew 11:6; Isaiah 8:13–14

1. In what ways are people today tempted to be offended by the teaching or authority of Jesus?

2. Are there commands or truths from Jesus that are difficult for you to accept or follow?

3. How can you guard your heart from stumbling when Jesus calls you to something hard?

Day 3 — The Greatness of John and the Kingdom

Scripture: Matthew 11:7–11; Malachi 3:1; Luke 7:28

1. What does John the Baptist’s life teach you about faithfulness even during hardship?

2. How does it encourage you that even the “least” in the kingdom has the privilege of knowing Christ personally?

3. In what ways can you make the most of the opportunity you have to proclaim Christ today?

Day 4 — Accepting the Kingdom

Scripture: Matthew 11:12–15; Malachi 4:5–6; Matthew 7:13–14

1. Why do people often try to reshape God’s kingdom into something that fits their own desires?

2. What does it mean for you personally to receive the kingdom rather than trying to control it?

3. How can you cultivate a heart that listens carefully to what God is saying through His Word?

Day 5 — When Jesus Isn’t What We Expected

Scripture: Matthew 11:16–19; Isaiah 55:8–9; Luke 7:34–35

1. In what ways do people reject Jesus because He does not fit their expectations?

2. Where might you be tempted to prefer your own plans instead of submitting to Christ’s wisdom?

3. How can your life demonstrate that following Jesus is worth it even when others misunderstand or criticize?