Should We Expect Someone Else?
- Cornerstone Church
- Mar 8
- 4 min read
This week’s readings finish the Sermon on the Mount and show Jesus doing miracles to prove His power and the coming of His Kingdom. Remember that Jesus is expounding upon the Law, teaching, and healing to reveal what God’s Kingdom is like. God judges men by their heart instead of their outward appearance or behavior. This points us to a deep need for renewal and reminds us of God’s promises in Ezekiel that He will give us a new heart (Ezekiel 36:26-27). John the Baptist pointed us to the One coming who he (John) was unfit to untie His sandal, and called Jesus the “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). This is the One that John the Baptist believed would usher in God’s Kingdom. However, John the Baptist is now in prison, and uncertainty has taken over. This week’s readings will show us many people who have to decide how they will respond to Jesus and His claims. Like John, all of us have to ask whether Jesus is the messiah, or should we expect someone else. That is the Big Picture.
Each week, as you take in the Bible, find some friends to talk it out. You can follow this simple guide to help. First, R.E.A.D. and P.R.A.Y. on your own. Then, meet with friends to share what you've learned.
R - Repeated words
E - Examine and mark
A - Ask what you learn about God
D - Do if there is anything to do
P - Praise
R - Repent
A - Ask
Bible Reading Plan - Week 13
Daily Prayer Plan – Week 13
START IT.
We're reading the Bible together in 2025 to see how Love Shows Up from the Old Testament and into the New Testament. How do we understand so many stories and lessons through the entire Bible while trying to stick to the "sacred timeline"? The answer is the big picture. If we get the big picture, we get the story the Bible is trying to tell. From Sunday's message or The Big Picture Bible Reading Plan this week in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, what is impacting you the most? How has praying daily through the Psalms impacted you? Was there a word, phrase, Bible verse, or theme that impacted you?
STUDY IT.
Read Isaiah 35:4-6. Read Isaiah 61:1-2. How is the coming Kingdom of God described for both followers of God and God’s enemies?
Read John 1:29-34. Read Matthew 11:2-3. Where is John the Baptist? How might this explain his question?
Read Matthew 11:4-6. What does Jesus’ answer mean?
Read Matthew 7:21-23. Who will enter the Kingdom of Heaven? How are those who will not enter described?
Read Matthew 11:27. Nobody knows the Father except the Son and whom? Read Matthew 11:28-30. Who does the Son ask to come to Jesus (and the Father)?
SHARE IT.
Read Matthew 11:2. How did John the Baptist get his question to Jesus? Have you ever needed a visitor in a desperate situation? How is visiting someone in an uncomfortable place an example of “one anothering”?
Read Luke 7:47. What is the relationship between your sin, forgiveness, and your love for Christ?
Read Matthew 9:37-38. Where have you been sent out? What people group are you praying to the Lord for?
Read Matthew 11:28. What kind of burdens is Jesus talking about? What kind of rest is Jesus talking about? How do you come to Him?
What do you imagine is a blessed life? Read Luke 11:27-28. Does Jesus’ reply match with your idea?
FINAL THOUGHT
In Luke 4:17-20, Jesus reads a passage from the scroll of Isaiah in the synagogue and states that it has been fulfilled. The passage is out of Isaiah 61:1-2, and it is a messianic prophecy. Jesus later quotes out of Isaiah, to also include this same prophecy in response to John the Baptist’s question of whether Jesus is the messiah or should they expect someone else (as messiah). (Matthew 11:2-6, Luke 7:18-23.) How do we make sense of John the Baptist’s confusion and doubt, other than he is in prison, which undoubtedly would be difficult. Jesus’ answer gives a clue to John’s expectations. Both times when Jesus quotes this passage from Isaiah, He stops halfway through Isaiah 61:2. Did you notice? Jesus says “to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor,” and stops before saying “and the day of our God’s vengeance.” Jesus warned of Hell and God’s judgment constantly, however, the day of our God’s vengeance has yet to come 2,000 years later. 2 Peter 3:1-9, explains that mockers will ask “Where is his coming that was promised,” however God is patient not wanting anyone to perish. Similar to John the Baptist, 2,000 years later you might ask “Should we expect someone else?” Jesus came as the “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” the first time, and we expect in faith that He is coming again as the conquering King who will bring the vengeance of the Lord and judge all unrighteousness. (Revelation 20:11-15).
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