Faithful Discipleship That Testifies, Rejoices, and Prevails in Times of Uncertainty (Matthew 11:7-19)

Suffering Violence

In the late 2nd century, Polycarp, the Bishop of Smyrna, faced execution for refusing to renounce Christ. Offered freedom if he recanted, he famously replied,

'Eighty-six years I have served Him, and He never did me any wrong. How can I blaspheme my King who saved me?' Polycarp

In his solitude before death, he reflected on a life lived for Christ, affirming that even in the face of death, his relationship with Jesus was worth every moment of suffering.

John Bunyan, author of 'The Pilgrim’s Progress,' spent twelve years in prison for preaching without a license. During his confinement, the loneliness and silence inspired deep spiritual reflections, leading him to write his famous allegory. He later stated,

'I would rather be in prison with Christ than be free without Him.' John Bunyan

The Apostle Paul faced imprisonment for preaching the gospel, yet in his letters from jail, he expressed profound joy and hope. He wrote to the Philippians,

'I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.' Apostle Paul

These men, and more, many more who have suffered violence for joyfully advancing the kingdom of God, and yet have found strength to remain a faithful disciple who testifies, rejoices, and prevails in times of uncertainty. There will be more who suffer because Jesus warns us that the kingdom of God suffers violence. He says

“12 From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force.” Matthew 11:12

In the context of Matthew 11, John the Baptist is one who has suffered violence, and yet remained a faithful herald of the Messiah. By this point in John’s ministry, he was known for being a prophet of God, so much so Herod was afraid to kill him. Matthew records,

“3 For Herod had seized John and bound him and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, 4 because John had been saying to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.”” Matthew 14:3–4

“5 And though he wanted to put him to death, he feared the people, because they held him to be a prophet.” Matthew 14:5

John was a devoted servant of God, faithfully fulfilling his divine calling. He joyfully advanced the kingdom of God by making much of Jesus, enduring violence as a result. Moreover, His suffering was not just physical; it deeply unsettled his soul, even sowing seeds of doubt about His Messiah. One might expect Jesus to express disappointment in John, but that is far from the truth.

Jesus defends John as a genuine prophet of God, acknowledging him as the greatest man ever born. Why? Because John embodied the true essence of a disciple. Jesus did not lament John’s doubt; instead, He honored John’s faith. He highlights that John’s faith remained steadfast even when his future was uncertain. John embraced his role as the forerunner of the Messiah, despite the imprisonment it brought. His faith endured with unwavering obedience, right up to his death. Through Jesus’ defense of John, brothers and sisters, we can know without a doubt,

Although the kingdom suffers violence, we find strength through trusting in Christ and obeying His calling on our lives to testify, rejoice, and prevail.

We live in uncertain times. Uncertain times is like chaotic noise that irritates your soul with unrest tempting you to stumble or stop.

Chaotic Noise of War

There is the chaotic noise of war. Russia has is at war with Ukraine. Israel and Iran are at the brink of war. India and Pakistan are hurling missiles at each other. The United States of America just dropped three bunker bombs on Iran’s nuclear cites. There is a pugnacious global tension among the nations right now.

Chaotic Noise of Famine

Famines are striking mass populations. The Global Report on Food Crises 2025, released in May, highlights a concerning trend of rising acute food insecurity (famines) and malnutrition. Key areas of concern include Sudan, Gaza, and parts of South Sudan, Haiti, and Mali. In our own backyard, 1 in 5 children go hungry in America.

Chaotic Noise of Natural Disasters

Natural disasters are increasing around the world. As of 2025, there has been unprecedented flash-flooding in Nigeria, Algeria, DRC, and Jordan killing hundreds of people. Wildfires scorched 9.6 million acres of Canada’s geography this year. As of today, there have been 68 significant earthquakes around the world, the largest one in Myanmar (Burma) registering at 7.7 on the Richter Scale (https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/browse/significant.php).

What is most interesting to me about the increase of earthquakes is the increase of frequency in parts of the world that are not known for earthquakes, like the Madrid fault line that runs in the midwest of the United States.

Chaotic Noise of Persecution

The Observatory on Intolerance and Discrimination against Christians in Europe (OIDAC Europe) documented 2,444 anti-Christian hate crimes in 35 European countries in 2023, based on police and civil society data. This is a significant increase from the 749 incidents reported in 2022. The report highlights instances such as vandalism, arson attacks on churches, physical assaults, and harassment against Christians. There were also documented cases of discrimination in the workplace and public life. France, the United Kingdom, and Germany saw a notable rise in anti-Christian hate crimes in 2023. Germany, for example, reportedly saw a 105% increase in such incidents.

Earlier this year, James Thompson, a writer for the magazine Christianity Today, wrote in his article, Christians in Europe Face Rising Discrimination and Hate Crimes,

“And across Western Europe, Christians report “discrimination and bullying” and in some instances “even loss of employment” for expressing faith-based opinions in their workplaces. Some have even faced repercussions for views expressed in “private conversations or posts on private social media accounts.” James Thompson C.T. January 6, 2025

Just as in Europe, the same can be said for the United States. We are equally vulnerable to this hostility. Numerous instances of government overreach and cultural animosity toward Christian street preachers, business owners, educators, and churches abound. Unfortunately, as Open Doors International highlights, more than 380 million Christians globally endure severe persecution for their beliefs.

380 million Christians worldwide suffer high levels of persecution for their faith ((https://www.opendoors.org/en-US/persecution/countries/)

In our community, we encounter individuals who openly challenge Christianity. When we established our school, some labeled us as dangerous and even Fascists.

We shouldn't be shocked by these tumultuous times. Jesus warned us in the scriptures that such uncertainty would arise at the beginning of the end of days Jesus says

“6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.” Matthew 24:6–8

“9 “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake.” Matthew 24:9

Like John, you are invited to joyfully advance the kingdom of God by making much of Jesus during times of uncertainty. Like John, you may face some degree of opposition for acknowledging Jesus as King. Your heart, faith, and Christian journey require fortification. This morning Jesus reminds you,

Although the kingdom suffers violence, we find strength through trusting in Christ and obeying His calling on our lives.

What do we find strength to do? To be a faithful disciple in uncertain times. We need strength to fulfill the calling God has made on our lives, to complete the good words he has ordained for us (Eph 2:10). The Bible says,

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10

But how? How do we walk in them when the noise shakes the soul in fear, anxiety, and doubt? We need Jesus’ life.

Paul says

“even when we were dead in our trespasses, [God] made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—” Ephesians 2:5

Are you alive in Christ Jesus? Has the Spirit of God opened your heart to understand that:

You are a sinner (Romans 3:23) condemned to an eternity of God’s wrath (Romans 6:23)

Do you know that,

God demonstrated his love for you that while you were a sinner, he sent his Son to die for you (Romans 5:8; 6:23)

Have you repented of your sin, that is renounced it and turned away from it, believed in your heart God raised Jesus from the dead, and confessed that Jesus is Lord (Romans 10:9-10)?

If you haven't yet received forgiveness for your sins through the free gift from Jesus Christ, if you are merely being a religious person, then you will not have the strength to remain faithful to Jesus in uncertain times. Like the parable of the sower says, your roots are not deep enough to survive the blaze of persecution and unrest.

Today marks your opportunity for salvation. Repent and embrace the good news. By doing so, you will attain salvation and receive empowerment from His Spirit to engage in good works as His disciple. The Holy Spirit serves as your source of power, strength, and will to obey the Father. When we live by faith and obedience through the Spirit, trusting and following Jesus, the Spirit can fill us and equip us to perform the works that Jesus accomplished. Jesus tells us,

“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.” John 14:12

When Jesus ascended to the Father, He was able to pour out His Spirit. Because Christ resides in His followers, He empowers them to perform greater works than those experienced by the disciples during their time with Him. In light of John’s faith amidst uncertainty, Jesus presents three qualities of John’s discipleship that we can reflect on or emulate, enabling us to remain faithful disciples in our own uncertain times. Jesus strengthens you to:

Testify With Your Life and Words Your Faithfulness to Jesus in Times of Uncertainty (Matthew 11:7-10)

Jesus was surrounded by noise. The crowd shuffled about. John’s disciples had gone away, leaving behind a crowd full of people with their opinions about John and Jesus—some good, but many likely bad. So, Jesus begins to address the crowd about John.

He asks a series of three rhetorical questions that help us see John’s faith.

What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind?

Reeds are slender grasses that flourish in marshes and wetlands. Though they can be fragile and easily breakable, the Jews metaphorically referred to reeds to describe individuals whose moods and thoughts shift with changing circumstances. Such individuals lack conviction, are easily swayed, and change their opinions with the wind’s direction.

Unlike his religious peers, John stood out. Mark describes his attire, noting that he wore camel's hair and a leather belt, and he subsisted on locusts and wild honey while living in the wilderness (Mark 1:6). John’s message was demanding; he embraced asceticism, a way of life defined by self-denial and self-discipline, often including the abandonment of worldly pleasures and possessions for spiritual reasons. The religious authorities likely viewed him as either insane or, at the very least, a zealot, with some even perceiving him as weak.

However, in Jesus’ view, John exhibited a devoted, single-minded heart demonstrating unwavering love for God through his preaching and adherence to his message.

John’s life and words testified that he was a strong man of God who did not compromise his convictions.

What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses.

The term "Malakos" translates to "soft". In this context, it refers to luxury or expensive clothing that is delicate and typically worn only in the king’s court.

In Israel’s culture, during periods of national corruption, the prophet's court was often compromised. Despite wearing the finest garments, these prophets lacked firmness in their righteousness and wisdom. Conversely, sincere prophets who delivered the Lord's message were relegated to living in the wilderness. For example, during King David’s reign, notable prophets like Nathan and Gad were present in the court. However, in Ahab’s era, the courts were corrupt, forcing Elijah into exile. 

Similar to Elijah, John did not don soft clothing, nor was he associated with the corrupt prophets' court. John exemplified righteousness through his obedience to God's will, which was his true strength. He embodied the qualities required to be in God’s presence, as illustrated in Psalm 15: “He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart; who does not slander with his tongue and does no evil to his neighbor, nor takes up a reproach against his friend; in whose eyes a vile person is despised, but who honors those who fear the Lord; who swears to his own hurt and does not change; who does not put out his money at interest and does not take a bribe against the innocent." (Ps 15:2-5)

John’s life and words testified that he was a man of strong Godly character.

What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.

This is he of whom it is written,

“ ‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.’”

Jesus defends John as a true man of God. Jesus says, “Yes, this man is a prophet, and more than a prophet.” John’s life is a testimony. He’s Elijah, says Jesus, in every way and form, from the clothes he wears to the place he lives. Furthermore, John’s life matches his message. He testifies with his mouth the gospel; repent and believe. Mark records,

“4 John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” Mark 1:4

John also affirmed that Jesus is the Messiah.

“7 And he preached, saying, “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8 I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”” Mark 1:7–8

John boldly preached this gospel message to the religious elite.

“7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bear fruit in keeping with repentance.” Matthew 3:7–8

Additionally, Jesus confirms that John is the forerunner to the Messiah, the promised individual mentioned in Malachi who would come to prepare the path for the Lord. Jesus references Malachi 3:1 to portray John as the prophesied messenger who readies the way for the Lord.

John was neither a weak herald nor simply a “yes man” for King Herod. He fulfilled his divine mission of magnifying Jesus in Jerusalem despite the criticism he faced from others.

It would have been easy for John to grow tired in the midst of the cacophony surrounding him. The Pharisees and Sadducees labeled him a mad zealot, while Herod was captivated by him. Herod’s wife expressed her fury, leading to John's death. The noise surrounding John’s ministry was overwhelming, filled with confusion. What could bring calm to John's tumult? The strength he found in trust Jesus and remaining faithful to his calling.

I am unsure whether John ever learned of Jesus's words about him, but he knows with out a doubt Jesus affirmed John’s faith and ministry.

John’s life and words testified he was a true prophet of God.

Maybe you are tempted to say, “Well, that is John the Baptist. That man was chosen by God and anointed in the womb. Surely he is a special case.” Well, brother and sister, you were chosen before the foundation of the world, and you have been anointed with His Spirit. Jesus promises to never leave you, especially when your soul is shaken by the noise of uncertainty.

Remember the promise Jesus gives us in Matthew 10:19-20. When we are brought before rulers and judges to give an account and testify of Jesus’ worth, he says

“19… what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. 20 For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” Matthew 10:19–20

Christian, make sure the words of your mouth and life by which you walk are pleasing to the Lord. Do not quench the Spirit, but surrender to him, especially when you are surrounded by uncertainty. You can stand on strong Christ-honoring convictions. You can live out your God glorifying character. You can testify that Jesus is Lord in uncertain times.

Rejoice in the Paradox of Greatness in the Kingdom (Matthew 11:11-15)

Jesus presents a paradox when he states that no one was born better than John, then immediately follows up with a concessive statement: "and yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than John." This statement raises an intriguing point. The paradox lies in the idea that even the least significant Christian in the kingdom of God surpasses John the Baptist. This concept resembles a less-is-more argument. How can this be true? Let’s break it down.

Who is the least in the kingdom?

The least regarded person in the kingdom is a Christian. Only Christians belong to the Kingdom of God. We have been redeemed at a cost, transformed into new creations, and our sins are atoned for by Jesus' blood. We are part of the New Covenant, a new era.

How is John the Baptist Great?

John, considered the greatest prophet of the old era, earned this title because he was entrusted with the role of the promised herald of the Messiah. He was Elijah.

The Lord promises through his prophet Malachi,

“5 “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes.” Malachi 4:5

So, the Jews were looking for Elijah to reappear to usher in the kingdom of God. Jesus says Elijah already appeared, at least the spirit of Elijah. Later in Matthews gospel, Jesus tells his disciples,

“10 And the disciples asked him, “Then why do the scribes say that first Elijah must come?” 11 He answered, “Elijah does come, and he will restore all things. 12 But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of Man will certainly suffer at their hands.” 13 Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.” Matthew 17:10–13

John the Baptist is the greatest prophet in the Old Era of the law. The law told us of a great and holy God. It exposed our sin and his wrath on sinners. It foretold of a day when the Messiah would come to atone for our sin and make us sons and daughters. John and the prophets prophesied the law, but they never got to see it until John the Baptist. John the Baptist came in the spirit of Elijah to announce the Messiah and the coming kingdom, but he did not live long enough to experience it.

John suffered violence by the hands of King Herod was who murdered children in order to take the kingdom by force. That does not mean he did not receive the redemption Jesus offers. Jesus’ blood reaches back to the righteousness of the Old Testament saints as much as it reaches forward to God’s elect.

How is the least in the kingdom greater than John the Baptist?

Those in the new era, on this side of the cross, we see the glory of crucifixion, we rejoice in the hope of the resurrection, we receive the power of His Spirit to walk in a manner worthy of the gospel. We know without a doubt that Jesus is able to keep us from stumbling and to present us blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy.

We have what John and the rest of the prophets longed to see and enjoy. We get to experience the kingdom through our relationship with Jesus. Jesus says knowing Him crucified and risen makes us greater than John the Baptist. The greatness of the least important person in the kingdom of God is more than the greatness of John the Baptist. But why do we rejoice in the paradox of greatness in God’s kingdom? In the paradox we find joy in making much of Jesus.

At the end of John 3 is a short, oddly placed story of John the Baptist exalting Jesus. Some of his disciples are arguing with Jews about purification. They come to John the Baptist, and at what seems like a distraction or parenthetical of some sort, they notice that disciples are leaving John the Baptist and are going to Jesus. They assume John would be upset. He is loosing his influence and prominence to this new rabbi who claims to be the Messiah. John is literally being written out of the story. If John solely looked at his circumstances through the lens of the world, he would be filled with uncertainty, and even forsake his divine calling to be Elijah. From a ministry perspective, any pastor who is hemorrhaging church members would be worrying about his job.

Instead, John kept his eyes on Jesus, rejoiced in the paradox of greatness in the kingdom: that when Jesus’ increases and I decrease, though I decrease, my joy increases.

John gives his disciples an analogy of a groom and his best man. Jesus is the groom. John is his best man, and John could not be happier for Jesus. John says

“29 The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete.” John 3:29

“30 He must increase, but I must decrease.”” John 3:30

John rejoiced at the coming of Jesus and his kingdom. He rejoiced so much that it made him happy to decrease. Talk about a paradox. John’s joy increased as the number of his disciples decreased because Jesus was calling them into his kingdom, into the new era, the new covenant, where John’s disciples will be greater than John.

How cool is that? In times of uncertainty, when your life and words are testifying of the worth of Jesus, your heart can have joy. Even when your influence, your wealth, your ministry, is vanishing, or the people whom you trusted are walking away because you’re making much of Jesus, you can rejoice. Even if those you disciple in the Lord increase in their knowledge, wisdom, and influence far beyond your ability or ministry, your joy can be complete, and it’s your joy in the Lord that is your strength. It is a joyful strength at will help you prevail in faithful love-inspired obedience.

Prevail in Faithful Love-Inspired Obedience (Matthew 11:16-19)

Jesus turns his attention to the crowd. In contrast to John, the Jews of Jesus’ day were like spoiled children who whined when they did not get their way. Jesus describes them in verses 16-19.

“16 “But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their playmates, 17 “ ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’ 18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ 19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds.”” Matthew 11:16–19

Jesus incorporates an ancient game that resembles Simon Says. If a designated child played the flute, the other children would respond by dancing. If the child sang a song of lament, the other children were to mourn.

Jesus and John are like the child sitting in the marketplace calling to his playmates. John is calling the people to repent and follow Jesus, and Jesus is calling them to repent and receive his salvation. Both are exercising the will of God for the good of God’s people. This should be exciting and easy. However, like unresponsive children to the game, the Jews rejected John and Jesus.

John was overly conservative, and his ascetic lifestyle was extremely harsh. They accused him of being possessed by a demon. Jesus was deemed too liberal. They called him a glutton and a drunkard, a heathen associated with tax collectors. These were grave accusations. Both men could face death under the law. The irony is that if the Jews had ears to hear and comprehend, they would’ve realized that John was Elijah and Jesus was the Son of David.

Ultimately, the Jews in Jesus’ era were a people discontent with God’s will. Regardless of God's actions, promises, or fulfillments, they were never satisfied. God assured them that a messiah would arrive. John proclaimed that the Messiah was approaching and urged them to prepare their hearts for His arrival through repentance. Yet, they rejected him, claiming John was possessed by a demon. Jesus came to illuminate the darkness, feed the hungry, heal the sick, cast out demons, and invite sinners to accept the free gift of salvation. Still, they dismiss Him as a liberal.

It's important to heed this warning. Both Jesus and John faithfully followed the Father's will, exemplifying a life of wisdom. Jesus concludes by stating that wisdom is justified by her results. He implies that their actions will affirm God’s wisdom in sending them to fulfill His salvation plan, which they indeed do. John was right! Jesus is the promised Messiah. Jesus lived a flawless life, died on the cross to atone for our sins, and was raised from the dead, satisfying God’s wrath. His resurrection secures salvation for all who call on His name. John was correct; Jesus is the Messiah. By being unsatisfied with God and His ways, they were deaf to John’s call to repent and blind to recognize Jesus as their Savior.

Let us prevail, brothers and sisters, through a love-inspired obedience. Jesus teaches that if you love Him, you will obey Him. Loving Jesus means finding satisfaction in Him. Learn to treasure Christ and be content with His perfect path for your life. When you find your satisfaction in Him, uncertain times pose no threat to your faith. John remained faithful to the very end, offering his steadfast obedience to God’s calling. He fixed his gaze on the Groom, which brought him joy. Follow the examples Polycarp, Bunyan, and the apsotle Paul of Keep your eyes on Jesus and continue to testify Jesus is Lord, rejoice in the paradox of greatness in the kingdom, and prevail in faithful love-inspired obedience.