Opened Scriptures Bible Studies

John was a good man whose steps were ordered by the Lord to advance His kingdom. Matthew 11:7-10  And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind?  8)  But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses.  9)  But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet.  10)  For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.  Jesus answered the question that John the Baptist's disciples asked. Jesus pointed them to His preaching and miracles in order to strengthen their faith. We shall see going forward that Jesus also encountered strong opposition because Jewish leaders wanted a military Messiah who would defeat Rome and re-establish Israel as an independent nation. They did...

Always remember Jesus' words and reflect upon His mighty works whenever fear or doubts come. Matthew 11:1-6  And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities.  2  Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples,  3  And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?  4  Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see:  5  The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.  6  And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.  This chapter began with Jesus sending forth His disciples to preach the gospel of the kingdom of heaven in surrounding towns and villages. Then Jesus also departed to peach and teach ...

Jesus sent His disciples to preach the gospel and He also departed to preach it. Matthew 11:1  And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities.  This is one of those texts which connects the previous chapter. All of chapter ten focused on Jesus' instructions to His disciples in preparation for gospel ministry. Chapter ten ended with Jesus' promise that when He sent them out to preach, the disciples would be rewarded for their gospel ministry. Thus, this text wraps up the previous chapter. Jesus finished giving detailed instructions to His disciples and He sent them forth to preach the gospel. Jesus then departed to preach the gospel in other places. John the Baptist had a question that he wanted Jesus to respond to. Matthew 11:2-3  Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples,  3)  And said unto him, Art thou he that should com...

We are nearing the end of chapter ten of Matthew's gospel. Jesus began by calling His disciples to Himself and giving them responsibility to travel to towns and villages to preach the gospel of the kingdom of heaven. Jesus gave them specific instruction and parameters about how to carry out His missionary work. It was to be a ministry of walking by faith and trusting God to provide food, clothing and shelter as He promised to do. Jesus promised that the Spirit of God would empower them to do many miracles as authentication that they spoke for God. God's own Spirit would give them the very words they must preach when opposed or when facing hostility. Jesus gave explicit warnings that unbelievers will resist the gospel preaching and how His disciples must respond. Genuine faith is seen when we are willing to give up all earthly comforts to follow Jesus Christ. Matthew 10:38-39  And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.  39)  He that find...