“Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”
(Matthew 11:6)

Hello everybody

Welcome to Part 1.0 of this series of articles on “Faith in Christ Jesus: Insights for Today’s Generation.” Over the coming weeks, we will explore the essence of faith as shown in the scriptures. We will focus specifically on Matthew 11:1-6 and 2 Samuel 7:1-16. We will consider the profound question in these verses. The question asks: “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”

In our quest to understand faith in Christ Jesus—the God we believe in—we’ll explore various facets of this faith:

• How do we define our faith in Christ Jesus?
• How does this faith manifest in our daily lives?
• How can we articulate the presence of Jesus within us?
• And importantly, how can we convey the significance of Jesus Christ to the younger generation?

Part 1.0 highlights the unique bond between John the Baptist and Jesus. It contrasts their roles and reflects on God’s covenant with King David. Given the extensive nature of this topic, we will divide the content into two separate posts.

Let’s start by examining the narrative of Matthew 11:1-6:

The Connection between Jesus and John the Baptist

Scripture tells us that Jesus and John the Baptist shared more than a familial relationship. They were cousins through their mothers, Elizabeth and Mary. This connection was imbued with spiritual significance when John, still in Elizabeth’s womb, responded to Mary’s greeting (Luke 1:39-45). Even before birth, John recognized Jesus as the Messiah. John played a crucial role in preparing the way for Jesus’ ministry, emphasizing their intertwined destinies and shared purpose.

John the Baptist is considered a prophet who herald the coming of Jesus, the Messiah. His primary mission was to announce the arrival of the Messiah and call people to repentance (Matthew 3). John baptized those who confessed their sins, symbolizing spiritual cleansing and readiness for the coming kingdom of God. His teachings likely focused on preparing hearts for the coming Messiah. He emphasized humility and also recognized Jesus as the sacrificial Lamb of God. John’s own humility and devotion inspired many. His declaration of Jesus as the Lamb of God highlighted the central theme of redemption in Jesus’ mission.

John the Baptist remains a pivotal figure in religious history. He is known for his role in setting the stage for Jesus’ ministry. He also fulfilled ancient prophecies. His life was one of dedication. He preached a powerful message of repentance. This message drew crowds to the Jordan River for baptism. It symbolized their desire for spiritual rebirth and readiness for the Messiah’s arrival.

The moment Jesus approached John for baptism marked a significant turning point. John recognized Jesus as the Messiah. He directed his disciples’ attention to Him. John declared Jesus as “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” This statement resonated deeply with those present. It redirected their focus towards Jesus as the promised Saviour. (John 1:29). They began to follow Jesus, aligning themselves with His ministry and teachings.

John’s outspoken nature, particularly against the moral and political issues of his time, led to his imprisonment. He criticized Herod’s marriage to Herodias, his brother’s wife. This stirred tension and ultimately led to his confinement (Matthew 14:3). Despite this, John’s influence persisted. His faith remained unwavering. He continued to inspire his followers and affirm his belief in Jesus’ divine mission.

Even from his prison cell, John’s impact did not wane. He remained a steadfast witness to his faith. He likely offered words of encouragement to his disciples. This reinforced their commitment to Jesus’ teachings. His story is one of courage and unwavering conviction. It serves as a testament to the power of faith. He embodied the spirit of change.

In Matthew 11:1-6, John the Baptist, while imprisoned. He sends his disciples to ask Jesus if He is the Messiah or if they should expect someone else. Despite earlier expressing faith in Jesus as the Christ (John 1:29-37), John seeks confirmation.

Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else? (Matthew 11:3)

Jesus responds by highlighting His miracles. He heals the sick, raises the dead, and preaches to the poor. These acts affirm His identity as the promised Messiah. In Matthew 11:6, Jesus says, “Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.” This encourages unwavering faith even in challenging times.

In a world brimming with uncertainties, the quest for truth and purpose often leads to profound questions. Among these is a pivotal inquiry. Is the awaited one already among us? Or do we look to the horizon for another? This question echoes through time, resonating from the era of John the Baptist to our current day.

The identity of the Messiah, long foretold, remains a subject of contemplation and, at times, contention. Doubts clouded even the minds of John the Baptist and his disciples, prompting them to question what they witnessed and heard. Was their perception clouded by their hearts, leading to a misinterpretation of God’s Word? Such misunderstandings can sow seeds of confusion and faltering belief.

The crux of their struggle lies in understanding the Messiah’s mission. This mission involves establishing a spiritual foundation for humanity. It is a call to recognize and embrace the divine purpose without wavering.

To “stumble” carries a dual meaning: the physical act of tripping and the moral lapse of erring gravely. In Matthew 11:6, Jesus proclaims a blessing upon those who maintain their faith in Him, undeterred by misbelief or disbelief. Misbelief stems from accepting falsehoods as truth, while disbelief arises from rejecting truths as falsehoods. Disbelief tends to deal with thoughts and opinions. Misbelief deals with facts. Jesus’s words are a beacon for those who choose to believe in His teachings and His name. The account of Jesus is in the New Testament. 

Jesus teaches that anyone who does not fall into misbelief or disbelief because of Him is blessed. Christianity is centred on Christ, and Christ is Jesus. Questioning the existence of Jesus is questioning the validity of Christ within us. Believing in Christ is fundamental to Christianity. Hence, if you do not believe in Jesus Christ, you cannot be a true believer in Christ. Jesus Christ is the foundation of Christianity. Anyone who disbelieves in Jesus is not a true believer in Christ. Christianity is based on Jesus Christ, and anyone who believes in Him will inherit the Kingdom of God.

The Call to the Joshua Generation   

In a world brimming with uncertainty, the message of the Joshua Generation resonates with a profound urgency. This is a call to a generation seeking identity and purpose. It urges them to discover the true essence of Jesus Christ. They must not be misled by false representations that may arise as the world witnesses the emergence of deceptive forces. This is a clarion call for the Joshua Generation.   

This generation is beckoning for a deeper understanding of Jesus Christ, to equip themselves for the spiritual battles ahead. They are the ones chosen to carry forward the legacy of faith, just as the Joshua Generation in the Bible was distinct from the Moses Generation. The latter wandered the wilderness, while the former stepped into the Promised Land under Joshua’s leadership. They were ready to claim the victories and inheritances that awaited them.   

The Joshua Generation of biblical times comprised the descendants of the Israelites who had endured slavery in Egypt. Today, a new Joshua Generation rises—a generation called to worship God in spirit and truth, to honour His image, and to uphold His reverence.   

God is nurturing a generation to stand firm in their faith, to see Him for who He truly is. They are the builders of a spiritual legacy, the modern-day bearers of the torch that lights the path to divine truth.  

As we reflect on the words of Joshua 1:1-9, let us embrace our role in this unfolding story. Let us be the Joshua Generation that steps out in faith, ready to make a difference in a world that yearns for the light of truth.   

Exploring Faith in Christ Jesus  

What exactly is this faith in Christ Jesus? It’s the cornerstone of Christianity, a journey of understanding Christ and His mission to save humanity. The faith in Christ Jesus, which defines Christianity, is more than a set of beliefs. It’s an invitation to know God intimately. To know God truly, we must explore Jesus’s teachings. These include the parable of the mustard seed (Matthew 13:31-32) and faith in Matthew 17:20. He let the crowd, and the disciples know about the mustard seed because He is the seed of the parable. It is through Him that the world would be saved, but our faith in Him is questionable.  

The phrase, “faith as small as a mustard seed” is not just a lesson in botany. It is a metaphor for our faith. Jesus used the tiny mustard seed to illustrate that even a small amount of faith can grow. It has the potential to become something vast and strong. Yet sometimes our faith seems almost invisible, compared to the size of that mustard seed.   

At the heart of our spiritual journey, we often find ourselves at a crossroads, questioning the depth of our faith. Do we truly embody faithfulness to God? Can we claim to worship Him if doubts cloud our belief? The identity of Jesus Christ and His role as our Saviour from life’s tribulations are questions that linger in the minds of many. How do we navigate through disbelief or misbelief?  

How do we prepare for the Word of God? How can we recognize who Jesus is? 

Preparing for the Word of God, recognizing who Jesus is, and overcoming doubt are challenges we all face. Finding answers remains an ongoing battle. 

How are we battling with this? Who are we battling with? 

The struggle with faith is a personal battle, often fought within the depths of our own hearts. God, the deliverer of souls, is aware of our internal conflicts. To fully know God, one must understand not only God but also His son, the Sower in the parable of the Sower. John the Baptist paved the way for this understanding by leading his followers towards repentance. Yet, the transition from repentance to redemption is anchored in understanding the Son of God. He is the planted seed of the parable of the mustard seed. 

It was perhaps this quest for understanding that led John the Baptist to send his disciples to Jesus. They sought to affirm His identity and, consequently, their own redemption. Faith in Christ Jesus is a pivotal step in our spiritual journey towards God. Without it, we cannot cross over to God. Faith in Christ Jesus is essential for transitioning from repentance to redemption. Without faith, repentance alone is insufficient. The bridge from repentance to redemption is Jesus Christ.     

Faith in Christ Jesus is important because it brings you to a point where your faith is in Him alone. So, faith in Christ Jesus is both a conviction and a commitment. It is a deep trust that transforms our lives and draws us closer to God. Jesus is the key of the house of David. 

Summary 

In our journey of faith, let us hold steadfast to the understanding of Christ Jesus and His divine purpose. By doing this, we ensure that our belief may never falter. For it is in this understanding that we find our path and our conviction. The message is clear: embrace the truth of the Messiah’s purpose and let not doubt nor misunderstanding lead you astray.   

As we reflect on our faith in Christ Jesus, let’s consider the faith within us. It may start small, but with nurturing and understanding, it can flourish into a steadfast belief. This belief guides us through life’s journey to redemption and beyond. Faith in Christ is not just a belief. It’s an active, growing force that propels us towards a deeper connection with God. Let’s embrace this journey together, exploring the vastness of faith and where it may lead us.   

In our lives today, we can apply the message from Matthew 11:6 by avoiding offense or stumbling in our faith. Jesus is the key to our salvation.   

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Understanding the connection between the Old and New Testaments is crucial. It helps in comprehending the role of Jesus Christ in our salvation. I’ll share with you in the next post “Bridge Between Testaments.” Join us next week as we delve deeper into the essence of faith and explore how we can articulate the presence of Jesus in our daily lives. Don’t miss out on these insightful discussions! 

Let’s journey together in understanding and living our faith in Christ Jesus! 🙏

Written by Eunice Forson

Stay tuned for post #1.1 in our series next Monday.

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In case you missed the earlier post in this series, below👇 is the link:

• Introduction to series: Faith in Christ Jesus: Insights for Today’s Generation