Matthew 11:16-24

1. These verses show the unreasonableness of many unconverted men in the things of religion.
2. These verses show us the exceeding wickedness of willful impenitence.

Matthew 11:1-15

1. The first thing that demands our attention in this passage, is the message which John the Baptist sends to our Lord Jesus Christ.
2. The second thing that demands our notice in this passage, is the high testimony which our Lord bears to the character of John the Baptist.

Matthew 10:34-42

1. He bids us remember that His Gospel will not cause peace and agreement wherever it comes.
2. Our Lord tells us that true Christians must make up their minds to trouble in this world.
3. Our Lord cheers us by saying that the least service done to those who work in His cause is observed and rewarded of God.

Matthew 10:24-33

1. Those who try to do good to souls must not expect to fare better than their great Master.
2. Those who try to do good must look forward with patience to the day of judgment.
3. Those who try to do good must fear God more than man.
4. Those who try to do good must keep before their minds the providential care of God over them.
5. Those who try to do good should continually remember the day when they will meet their Lord to receive their final portion.

Matthew 10:16-23

Matthew 10:1-15

1. We are taught that all ministers are not necessarily saved men.
2. We are taught that the great work of a minister of Christ is to do good.
3. We are taught that it is a most dangerous thing to neglect the offers of the Gospel.

"We are not to regard [pastors]as infallible, either in doctrine or in practice. We are not to make popes or idols of them, and insensibly put them in Christ's place."

"Half the diseases of Christianity have arisen from mistaken notions about the pastor's office!"

"Let us assume that we are decent and respectable in our lives, correct and moral in all the relations of life, regular in our formal attendance on the means of grace. It is all well, so far as it goes. But is this all that can be said of us? Are we really receiving the love of the truth? Is Christ dwelling in our hearts by faith? If not, we are in fearful danger. We are far more guilty than the men of Sodom, who never heard the Gospel at all."

Questions:

1. In these verses we hear about Jesus ordaining the 12 apostles and sending them out to do good. If you are a pastor, it is worth considering these things, and if you are part of a church, to consider your pastors life in light of these things. Fellow pastors, Ryle warns that 'half the diseases of Christianity have arisen from mistaken notions about the pastor's office!' Do we use this position for self or to serve others? Can we say to those under our care, "follow me, as I follow Christ?"
2. We are warned that to hear the gospel and neglect it is a dangerous thing, as Jesus tells his disciples that it will be better for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgement than for those who hear and reject. Ryle asks some hard questions worth repeating here. He says, "Let us assume that we are decent and respectable in our lives, correct and moral in all the relations of life, regular in our formal attendance on the means of grace. It is all well, so far as it goes. But is this all that can be said of us? Are we really receiving the love of the truth? Is Christ dwelling in our hearts by faith? If not, we are in fearful danger. We are far more guilty than the men of Sodom, who never heard the Gospel at all." Is this true of us? Is church a formality, or a means of grace we delight in? May it be so, for God's glory and our joy!

Matthew 9:27-38

1. Let us mark that strong faith in Christ may sometimes be found where it might least have been expected.
2. Let us mark that our Lord Jesus Christ has had great experience of disease and sickness.
3. Let us mark our Lord's tender concern for neglected souls.
4. Let us mark that there is a solemn duty incumbent on all Christians, who would do good to the unconverted part of the world.

"An example like this shows us, that we must never despair of any one's salvation, merely because he lives in a position unfavorable to his soul. Grace is stronger than circumstances."

"We never know what racking complaint we ourselves may have to submit to, before we lie down and die. But let us arm ourselves quickly with the precious thought that Jesus is specially fitted to be the sick man's friend. That great high-priest to whom we must apply for pardon and peace with God, is eminently qualified to sympathize with an aching body, as well as to heal an ailing conscience."

"There are millions of idolaters and heathen on earth--millions of deluded Muhammadans--millions of superstitious Roman Catholics. There are thousands of unsaved Protestants near our own doors. Do we feel tenderly concerned about their souls."

"Never, never may we forget that if we would do good to the world, our first duty is to pray."

Questions:

1. We see Jesus healing the sick as He goes around preaching and teaching. The truth of this fallen world is that sin affects every part of life, including our bodies. Sin is the root of all sickness, illness, and ultimately death. And, as Ryle says, we never know what illnesses we may have to submit to before we die. But he challenges us to arm ourselves with this precious thought: Jesus is specially fitted to be the sick man's friend. In whatever sicknesses you have endured, do you tend to run to Jesus or to doctors? Do you believe that Jesus is able to sympathize with and care for you? A quick side note: this is not to say you shouldn't go to a doctor or take medicine, but it is a question of whether our trust is primarily on such things or in Christ who brings the healing.
2. Jesus looks at the multitudes of sheep without a shepherd and had compassion. How is our heart toward the unbelievers around us? Do we have the mind of Christ toward those who are perishing without Christ? If not, may we plead to have the compassion of Christ!
3. Jesus exhorts the disciples to pray to the Lord of the harvest to send workers. Ryle declares that this is a call for all Christians to walk in. He says that such prayer "is one of the surest ways of doing good, and stemming evil." He goes on to say, "Never, never may we forget that if we would do good to the world, our first duty is to pray!" Do our actions show we believe this? May the Lord give us hearts to believe this calling, and to be faithful to do the best good we can for this lost world!

Matthew 9:14-26

1. Let us mark the gracious name by which the Lord Jesus speaks of Himself: "the bridegroom."
2. Let us mark what a wise principle the Lord Jesus lays down for the treatment of young disciples.
3. Let us mark what encouragement our Lord gives to the humblest faith.
4. Let us mark in this passage our Lord's almighty power.

"What the bridegroom is to the bride, the Lord Jesus is to the souls of all who believe in Him. He loves them with a deep and everlasting love."

"We must not be in a hurry to require a minute conformity to one rigid rule in 'things indifferent', until the first principles of repentance and faith have been thoroughly learned. To guide us in this matter, we have great need to pray for grace, and Christian common sense."

"Our faith may be feeble. Our courage may be small. Our grasp of the Gospel, and its promises, may be weak and trembling. But, after all, the grand question is, do we really trust in Christ alone? Do we look to Jesus, and only to Jesus, for pardon and peace? If this be so, it is well."

Questions:

1. Jesus calls himself 'the bridegroom' and Ryle highlights what that means. As I read it again, try and pick one that stands out to you and ask why. "What the bridegroom is to the bride, the Lord Jesus is to the souls of all who believe in Him. He loves them with a deep and everlasting love. He takes them into union with Himself. They are "one with Christ and Christ in them." He pays all their debts to God. He supplies all their daily need. He sympathizes with them in all their troubles. He bears with all their infirmities, and does not reject them for a few weaknesses. He regards them as part of Himself. Those that persecute and injure them are persecuting Him. The glory that He has received from His Father they will one day share with Him, and where He is, there shall they be."
2. We see a woman with touch the edge of Jesus' cloak and is healed because of her faith. Ryle draws great encouragement regarding the strength or weakness of our faith. He says, "Our faith may be feeble. Our courage may be small. Our grasp of the Gospel, and its promises, may be weak and trembling. But, after all, the grand question is, do we really trust in Christ alone? Do we look to Jesus, and only to Jesus, for pardon and peace? If this be so, it is well." We need to ask ourselves, do we really trust in Christ alone for pardon and peace? Am I seeking to grow in the grace of faith so that I may have more joy in this journey to heaven?