THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS FORCEFULLY ADVANCING

Matthew 11:1-15

Key Verse: 11:12

“From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it.”

Read verses 1-3. What did Jesus do after he finished instructing his disciples? Where was John and why was he there? (Mt 14:3-5)

Read verses 4-6. What was Jesus’ answer? How does this answer identify him as the Messiah (Christ)? (Isa 35:5-6; 61:1) 

Among his Messianic works, what is the importance of “the dead are raised”? (John 11:25-26) What does verse 6 mean? 

Read verses 7-11. What did Jesus say about John’s life and mission? Why does he call John a prophet and more than a prophet? In what sense is John great? What does he mean by least and greatest in the kingdom of heaven? (See Mt 18:4) 

Read verses 12-15. What else can we learn here about John’s prophetic role? What was the focal point of his ministry? (Mt 3:6) What does it mean that the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing since the days of John the Baptist?