Bible Study Materials

WHO CAN TAKE THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN?

by   01/14/2011  

Question


1. After instructing his twelve disciples, what did Jesus do? (1) Where was John and what did he do? (2) Why do you think he sent his disciples to Jesus? (3) 2. How did Jesus reply? (4-6) Why did he reply in this way? 3. After John’s disciples’ leaving, what did Jesus say about John? (7-10) What did Jesus say about John’s greatness? (11a) And about the greatness of those who are in the kingdom of heaven? (11b) 4. Since the days of John the Baptist what has been happening in history? (12a) Why? Who can lay hold of the kingdom of heaven? (12b) Finally, what did Jesus say of John? (13-15) 5. To what did Jesus compare that generation? (16-19) Why did he make such a comparison?


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Message


Thank God for helping us to study Matthew 10, Jesus’ mission discourse, instructions for kingdom workers in 6 lessons. We pray that we may especially love Jesus with unrivaled love and take our cross of mission, acknowledging him before any men. In today’s passage Jesus talks about the Messiah’s work, John the Baptist and the kingdom of heaven advancing from the days of John the Baptist. He says that forceful men lay hold of the kingdom of heaven. He wants us to have eyes to see the ongoing work of God and have a positive attitude for the kingdom of heaven. May Jesus speak to us. First, the work of God going on (1-6). Look at verse 1. “After Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in the towns of Galilee.” In chapter 10 Jesus gave instructions to his twelve disciples to be sent out for the fieldwork. Still, they were not the main workers, Jesus was. Jesus was faithful and diligent in teaching and preaching, going through the towns of Galilee. This is one clear image of the Messiah. Look at verse 2. “When John heard in prison what Christ was doing, he sent his disciples to ask him,” Here John the Baptist is suddenly mentioned. Let’s go back and trace John in Matthew’s gospel. All of chapter 3 is about John. He came as the forerunner of Christ Jesus and preached the baptism of repentance. People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan and were baptized (3:5-6). Then he introduced Jesus to them, saying, “I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire” (3:11). Afterward Jesus was baptized by John. Then in chapter 4 Jesus was tempted by the devil in the desert of Judea. After overcoming the devil’s temptations, he returned to Galilee, when he heard that John had been put in prison (4:12). Why John was put in prison is written in Matthew 14:3. It says, “Now Herod had arrested John and bound him and put him in prison because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, for John had been saying to him: ‘It is not lawful for you to have her.’” Because he preached the message of repentance to Herod for his immorality, he was imprisoned. According to the table of the life of Christ in NIV, Jesus was tempted in the fall of AD 26, and Jesus chose his twelve disciples after the fall of AD 27. When he sent out his twelve apostles for fieldwork train, John had already been put to death and Herod was haunted by the hallucination of John’s having risen from the dead as he heard the reports about Jesus (Mt 14:1,2). So most probably John was in the prison for more than a year. The prison was located at the fortress Machaerus (a hundred miles on foot northbound to Galilee near Capernaum). He would soon be beheaded (Jn 14:11). While he was in prison, he heard what Christ was doing. Here it is not written how he could hear it in the prison without cell phone or internet. But Luke 7:18 says, “John’s disciples told him about all these things…” John’s disciples were still loyal to him, though he was put in prison. Through his disciples John could hear what Christ was doing. After hearing what Christ was doing, what did John do? He sent his disciples to ask Christ, “Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?” Luke 7:19 says, “he sent them to the Lord to ask, ‘Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?’” Here a question arises: “Why did he send his disciples to Christ the Lord with the question, ‘Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?’” One possible reason is that his long imprisonment made him doubt about Jesus’ being the Messiah. Jesus did not seem to do anything with his imprisonment. So he sent his disciples to him. The passage clearly says about John sending his disciples to ask such a question. Another possible reason is that as for John it was unthinkable to have such a fundamental doubt. He was sure that Jesus was Christ the Lord, hearing all the happenings. Even before, he saw Jesus face to face and baptized him, although he knew that he had to be baptized by Jesus as a sinner. He was the forerunner of Christ. As for him, he had not even a hint of the doubt about Jesus’ being Christ. His faith must have grown stronger during his imprisonment. But when he thought about the future of his disciples, they needed to be assured that Jesus is the Christ. The best way to help them was to let them listen to Jesus directly. So he sent them to Jesus. We cannot be sure 100% of the reason. In any case, we learn a clear lesson from Jesus’ reply. Let’s see how Jesus helped them. Look at verses 4-5. “Jesus replied, ‘Go back and report to John what you hear and see. The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.’” Whether it was to help John or his disciples, Jesus’ reply was that he was doing the exact work of the Messiah prophesied in the Old Testament (Isa. 35:5,6; 29:18; 26:19; 61:1). Regardless of John’s imprisonment, the work of God was going on. John was put in prison, but God was working in his way and according to his time schedule. This was what John or his disciples had to know, although God apparently did nothing to remedy John’s imprisoned situation. When our situation or our loved ones’ situation is hard, it is not easy to see the work of God. Rather we can easily to become self-centred and become blind to see what God is doing. We should learn to recognize God’s work irrespective of our own difficult situations. It is very important to see and recognize God’s work in others. It is also very important to see and recognize God’s work in men, though small and thank God and develop it. Otherwise one can fall away from the faith. So Jesus warned them, saying, ”Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me.” Blessed are those who keep their faith in Christ Jesus to the end are blessed, overcoming their personal situations and trusting in God’s way of working. When Apostle Paul was in Roman prison, some thought that God was using Paul no more and his era was gone. So out of envy and rivalry, they worked hard to preach the gospel. Others could see Paul’s courage to be in chains for the sake of Jesus’ name. So they were encouraged to do the work of God with more zeal and devotion. Staying in the prison, Paul rejoiced that in any way people were doing the gospel work. He did not fall into self-pity doubting God’s way of working. He could have wondered, “Why am I here in Roman prison after serving the Lord in my whole life?” Rather, with thanks and faith he did what he could so. Even in the prison he had 1:1 Bible study with the Roman prison guards, the native Romans. He did not become self-centred at all because of his imprisonment. I thank God for working in us despite our difficult situations. Second, the kingdom of heaven advancing (7-19). Look at verses 7-10. “As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: ‘What did you go out into the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces. Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom It is written: ‘I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’” There are many people who are swayed by the trend of the world. They are very sensitive to what others say or do and what others think of them. They are like reeds. John was not such a person. There are also people who want to impress others with their fine clothes and good-looking and luxurious residence. John was also not like them. He lived in the desert doing God’s given mission. He was a prophet, the last prophet. More than that, he was the forerunner of Christ, whose coming itself was prophesied. Look at verse 11a. “I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist...” Here Jesus talks about John’s greatness. What a praise it is to say, “Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist.” People of the world are curious to the question, “Who is the greatest?” Who is the greatest person in Canadian history? According to a poll by CBC done several years ago, it was Tommy Douglas. Who was the person of the 20th century? According to Time Magazine, it was Albert Einstein. Some others say, “Albert Schweitzer.” How about the person of the 2nd millennium? Francis Assisi? In the 1st millennium, the influence of St. Paul and St. Augustine were huge in Christian history. To Moslems, Mohamed could be the greatest. But according to Jesus, the greatest man born of women was John the Baptist until that time, not Abraham, Moses, or David, and not Noah, Daniel or Job mentioned in Ezekiel 14:14 for their righteousness. In Jesus’ saying, we can even read the implication that he is the greatest in the whole human history. What praise! Why? We cannot know the complete reason. But we know that he fulfilled God’s mission given to him risking his life. At that time he would soon be beheaded. Then why did Jesus speak about John’s greatness in 6 verses? What was the point? Look at verse 11 again. “I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” In this verse Jesus compared the greatness of John the Baptist and the greatness of the least in the kingdom of heaven and thus smoothly led the story to the kingdom of heaven. Here what Jesus said seems to be surprising. However, the gist of Jesus’ saying is that the greatness in the heavenly realm is incomparable with the greatness in the earthly realm. Those born of women cannot be compared to those born of the Spirit. It does not mean that John was not born of the Spirit. He was filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth. Children of God cannot be compared to children of men. In MSG Mathew 11:11 is translated this way: "Let me tell you what's going on here: No one in history surpasses John the Baptizer; but in the kingdom he prepared you for, the lowliest person is ahead of him.” The kingdom of heaven is such a wonderful place that each person is truly great and valuable and honourable. Then what did Jesus say next? Look at verse 12. “From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it.” In short, the kingdom of heaven is wide open. It is like the door of Canada widely open to all the people of the world. Those who actively apply for the visa can enter. Here Jesus said, “From the days of John the Baptist until now…” When John came he preached the message of repentance and the kingdom of heaven. He said, “Repent, the kingdom of heaven is near.” When Jesus began the earthly messianic ministry, he delivered the same message, “Repent, the kingdom of heaven is near.” The kingdom of heaven is related to repentance. Since the message of the kingdom of heaven had been delivered through John the Baptist and Jesus, the kingdom of heaven was opened to repentant people. It was unbelievable that sinners like tax-collectors and prostitutes were tasting the kingdom of heaven and indeed they were entering the kingdom of God. Nothing in this world could prevent them from entering and living in the kingdom of heaven. Something was happening that never had happened since the Garden of Eden was blocked by the guards of cherubim (Ge 3:24). Jesus said in Matthew 12:28, “If I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.” Most unlikely people, the blind, the lame, the deaf and those with leprosy were entering the kingdom of heaven. No one could limit it. Thus the kingdom of heaven had been forcefully advancing. Then Jesus said, “and forceful men lay hold of it.” Who can lay hold of the kingdom of heaven? We know that even the strongest army of the world cannot take the kingdom of heaven. Of course, violent demonstrators cannot take it. Also, terrorists or suicide bombers cannot invade and attack and take it. No physical force can take the kingdom of heaven. Jesus said, “Forceful men lay hold of it.” So these forceful men are spiritually forceful men. They are those who earnestly seek God and entreat for his grace. We remember a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years: Most likely this woman’s condition is menorrhagia, a disease in which menstrual flow is abnormally prolonged, which usually produces anemia as well. She did what no ordinary man could do. She came up behind Jesus and touched the edge of his cloak, believing that it would work out. When she did so, Jesus turned and said, “Take heart, daughter, your faith has healed you.” The woman was healed from that moment (Mt 9:20-22). Also, there was the story of two blind men. The two blind men followed Jesus, calling out, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!” Jesus, however, did not respond to their calling. He went on his way. Yet, the blind men followed Jesus even into a house. Jesus finally spoke to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” “Yes, Lord,” they replied. Then Jesus touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith will it be done to you” (Mt 9:27-29). And they received their sight. On another occasion a Gentile woman came to Jesus, crying out, “Lord, Son of David have mercy on me! My daughter is suffering terribly from demon-possession.” Surprisingly, Jesus did not answer a single word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.” The disciples really felt bothered. Then Jesus seemed to agree with the disciples and said, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.” The disciples must have responded, saying, “That’s right, Lord. This kind of Canaanite woman is out of your blessing. That is what God taught in the Old Testament.” Yet, the woman came and knelt before him, “Lord, help me!” she said. Jesus replied, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to their dogs.” Why was Jesus so seemingly cold? He rejected her repeatedly, this time even treating her as a dog. It was the very time she had to give up and go back in deep sorrow and bitterness. But she did not falter even a little bit. She said, “Yes, Lord, but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.” Her never-bending attitude was truly admirable. Finally Jesus answered, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour. (Mt 15:23-28). How can we describe such a woman? According to Jesus, she is a forceful woman. Indeed forceful men and women possess the kingdom of heaven and heavenly blessings. This year, we want to be filled with the Holy Spirit and receive the Spirit’s power. Can it be possible? We learn that when we become forceful men can it be possible. Let’s listen to Jesus, “Forceful men lay hold of it,” and believe it. He does not want us to sit down and think and doubt or excuse, but believe and act. This is what Jesus taught us in the Sermon on the Mount: “Ask and it will be give to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. Everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks the door will be opened.” (Mt 7:7, 8) Look at verses 13, 14. “For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come.” All the Prophets and the Law refer to the Old Testament. In the last book of the Old Testament, Malachi, God said, “See, I will send you the prophet Elijah before the great and dreadful day of the Lord comes. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers…” (Mal 4:5, 6) According to Jesus John the Baptist was the Elijah and his coming ended the Old Testament. As a result, it has been possible for the people to take the kingdom of heaven. Jesus said, “He who has ears, let him hear.” But sadly, there were many people who have no ears to hear the words of the invitation to the kingdom of heaven, though they have ears to hear the voice of the world. Jesus said in verses 16-17. “To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others: ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.” To Jesus the people of the generation were childish (like pouting, petulant children). They were self-centred. They were wayward to God and indifferent to the work of God going on. They had no ears to hear the word of God and no eyes to see the work of the Messiah. They were childishly critical. Jesus said, “For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon,’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and “sinners.” ‘But wisdom is proved right by her actions.”’” Those who believe and act, not childishly critical are wise and they can experience God’s living work. Thank God that the work of God is going on and the kingdom of heaven is advancing. May God help us to be forceful men and women who lay hold of the kingdom of heaven.


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