Sunday: Matthew 11:11-12
Scripture is the Word of God, and in it the plan of salvation is made clear. Yet, some texts can be difficult to understand. This, though, should not be surprising. After all, in every aspect of natural life we find things hard to understand. How much more so will it be with parts of the Word of God, which reveals to us spiritual and supernatural truths and realities?
Image © Krieg Barrie from GoodSalt.com
Ellen G. White expressed this concept so clearly: “The very humblest forms of life present a problem that the wisest of philosophers is powerless to explain. Everywhere are wonders beyond our ken. Should we then be surprised to find that in the spiritual world also there are mysteries that we cannot fathom? The difficulty lies solely in the weakness and narrowness of the human mind. God has given us in the Scriptures sufficient evidence of their divine character, and we are not to doubt His word because we cannot understand all the mysteries of His providence.”—Steps to Christ, pp. 106, 107.
For instance, one of the most challenging texts in all Scripture is Matthew 11:11-12: “‘Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence, and violent people have been raiding it’” (NIV).
Read through the verses. What do you understand about them? What don’t you understand?
Some translations of Matthew 11:12 read: “From the days of John the Baptist until the present, the kingdom from heaven has been forcefully advancing, and violent people have been attacking it” (ISV). “And from the time John the Baptist began preaching until now, the Kingdom of Heaven has been forcefully advancing, and violent people are attacking it” (NLT).
What is Jesus saying to us here?
| What things, even in secular life, remain mysteries to us? Do we stop believing, for instance, in the existence of the sun simply because of the many mysteries about it that we don’t understand? How much more so, then, with questions of faith and the Word of God? |
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For me, a great number of bible texts are difficult to understand, but as Sis. White explains “God has given us in the Scriptures sufficient evidence of their divine character, and we are not to doubt His word because we cannot understand all the mysteries of His providence’.
If we acknowledge that scriptural understanding comes from God, we should earnestly pray as we look at passages that are difficult and may lead us to the wrong interpretation. Let us not rely on self, but also seek clarification from persons that the Lord has ordained to lead His flock, such as our pastors and elders.
Eph. 4:18 says, They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart, but we are told in James 1:5 that if any lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
Kareen As you said we should not doubt Gods word and that is what I believe. Isaiah 55:8,9 is the reason. Differences can create problems.
please someone should help with the interpretation of Matthew 11:11,12
Pray for understanding. You could try The Amplified and The Good News Bible or any other English translation. It's good to have more than one version of The Bible.
Ayuba I am not sure what you are looking for. John the Baptist is saying He Jesus, in spite of all that John has done as a prophet and messenger for Jesus, He,Jesus has become even greater than anyone in Gods Kingdom. Jesus and John the Baptist both had disciples and there may have been some competition that Jesus wanted dismissed. If you are talking about opinions of a different nature, I am Sorry I can't be any more helpful.
A deep sense of our need and a great desire for the things for which we ask must characterize our prayers, else they will not be heard. But we are not to become weary and cease our petitions because the answer is not immediately received. “The kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force” (Matthew 11:12). The violence here meant is a holy earnestness, such as Jacob manifested. We need not try to work ourselves up into an intense feeling, but calmly, persistently, we are to press our petitions at the throne of grace. Our work is to humble our souls before God, confessing our sins, and in faith drawing nigh unto God. . .(That I may know Him, p. 272, September 23)
Editor's Note: You can get your own copy of the Ellen White devotional, That I May Know Him at Amazon.com
Jesus refers to John(the Baptiser) with his reference to Elijah returning. See malachi 4:5. The complexity is he gives a dual application. We are also those who, having been pressed into the kingdom, are giving that message. John gave everything, and he was rewarded with prison and death. His reward will be great, but Jesus doesn't emphasize a reward system. He wasn't applauding the works but the spirit. By ending John's ministry(Herod's actions were Satan's attempt to stop the movement) all the more emphasis was given to Jesus ministry. Thus the same today. Satan casts out demons and destroys his own house in the process
Matthew 10:16 KJV
Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
It's that we hold the faith at all which upsets Satan's system. He will destroy himself and all who follow him. Just hold on to Jesus and you are the Elijah message!
I like the authors' mentioning of the sun and its mysteries and how we do not stop believing in the sun's existence just because we do not understand its mysteries. One specific mystery of the sun that poses a question right away is this: What keeps it continually burning and giving light and warmth? Who fully understands what the answer is to this mystery? But there it is every day burning and giving light in all its glory. God and Jesus and The Holy Spirit are just as real as that and full of goodness and mercy and kindness and glory.
I read The following note from Stuart Crafts, Sabbath, April 23, 2016, it was very helpful to me.
From the Spirit of Prophecy:
"The violence here meant is a HOLY EARNESTNESS... We need not try to work ourselves up into an intense feeling, but calmly, persistently, we are to press our petitions at the throne of grace." (That I May Know Him p. 272)
Thank JoAnn....I really tried to think on what that 2nd part of the text meant. ..the violence part. I couldn't see. I thought to investgate the word and text in a concordance later and i still will But wow..what a good find in the book u made reference too. I still want more understanding. Thank for the tip
Ayuba Titus ook up AkersFollett bible study archives April 24- Matthew 11:11-12. This may help you.
Matthew 11:11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
I understand that John the Baptist was great because he was chosen to prepare the way for the Messiah and no other human being was this privilege given to,
he also baptized Christ, he saw the spirit of God coming down to anointed he son; however, he did not live to see Christ work. He did not live to understand fully the mission of the Messiah as we do today.
Esther
And I saw them as they went up on the broad plain of the earth and surrounded God’s people and the beloved city. But fire from heaven came down on the attacking armies and consumed them. Revelation 20:9 NLT
I don't know, but I wonder if Satan trying to get his followers to attack the New Jerusalem at the end of the 1,000 years may be the final example of violent people attacking God's kingdom and trying to take it by force? (See Matthew 11:11-12) Of course fire comes down from God out of heaven and destroys them. Showing once again, you can't make it into God's kingdom by your own power, works, effort or force. It is only by God's grace.
God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Ephesians 2:8 NLT
To me, Revelation 20:7-9 is the most blatant example of Satan being the prince of legalism, convincing people they can take heaven by their own power and effort instead of by grace alone. I wonder if legalism is what Jesus was referring to in Matthew 11:11-12?
As Stewart brought to our attention in Sabbath's lesson, Ellen White's clarification of Jesus' use of the word "violent" in (Matt. 11:12), implies "a holy earnestness", which she referenced with regard to secret prayer. She prefaced the Matt.11:12 statement, quotes the verse and makes the application as follows:
"A deep sense of our need and a great desire for the things for which we ask must characterize our prayers, else they will not be heard. But we are not to become weary and cease our petitions because the answer is not immediately received. “The kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force” (Matthew 11:12). The violence here meant is a holy earnestness, such as Jacob manifested. We need not try to work ourselves up into an intense feeling, but calmly, persistently, we are to press our petitions at the throne of grace. Our work is to humble our souls before God, confessing our sins, and in faith drawing nigh unto God." -- That I May Know Him, p. 272.
Later, on the same page she reiterates the point this way: "Calmly, yet fervently, the soul is to reach out after God; and sweet and abiding will be the influence emanating from Him who sees in secret, whose ear is open to the prayer arising from the heart."
My take away is that though we may struggle for understanding in some aspects of the scriptures, Jesus Himself promised that "when He the Spirit of Truth is come He will guide you into all truth" (John 16:13). God has and continues to reveal to us the truths He deems necessary for our learning and edification and ultimately our salvation. As we continue to study the word and pray in "holy earnestness" for understanding, our heavenly Father will NOT deny the answers to our prayers. We must hang on relentlessly to the Savior as did Jacob to the angel. "I will not let thee go except thou bless me" (Gen 32:26).
I believe that God has appoints His servants, the prophets and "reveals His secrets" to them. Hence I accept the light shed on Matt. 11:12 by God's servant E.G. White, as His directive until He tells me otherwise.
Open my eyes that I may see
Glimpses of truth Thou hast for me;
Place in my hand that wonderful key
That unclasp and set me free.
Silently now I wait for Thee
Ready, my God, Thy will to see;
Open my eyes, illumine me
Spirit Divine.
it's true we can't fight the fight of eternity at our own strength but who began in us will complete for us at the appointed time.it's for us to focus our minds,souls to the man Jesus christ;John fought and Paul nd the crown is already placed on them.the quiz lies on us!!who will be placed for you instead??let the holy spirit work diligently and you will see Him on that vry day when the earth history will come to close.
The kingdom of heaven has been attacked by Satan since envy& self exaltation became his second nature.The attack on God's holy heaven was dealt with swiftly when Satan & his angels were cast down from heaven.
He hath since caused our fore parents to sin( Gen.3:1-7)and violence started in this world with the first murder by Cain who killed his brother Abel.
We see in(Job1: 6-8) Satan'attack on Job's character." Now we see a day when the "sons of God "came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them.("Sons of God" a phrase refers to angelic beings who do God's bidding) And the Lord said to Satan "From where do you come?"So Satan answered the Lord and said" From going to & fro the earth and from walking back & forth on it."Then the Lord said toSatan have you considered my servant Job that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless & upright man, one who fears God & shuns evil.Satan attacked jJob's family, Job's health & his property. We see this violence continuest
throughout the Bible by Satan upon the those who believed in God.Our Saviour came He the Holy Spirit came into our world he suffered bled & died, ascended to heaven& he is coming back again. His followers, the desciples suffered violent deaths . Stephen was stoned all because they furthered the kingdom of God for others. Persecution of Christians over the centuries (Fox's Bookof Martyrs) Matt. 11:11-12 are the words of Jesus
Keeping us alert to ongoing attacks by Satan.we must be vigilant to fend off these attacks. Hence those verses are not mysteries.
(Note: You can buy Fox's Book of Martyrs on Amazon)
The Great Controversy between Christ & Satan forms the unseen backdrop to the world of the seen that we experience on a daily basis.
Information from Thayer's Greek Lexicon supports what Stewart Crafts posted from Ellen White.
There's a parallel text in Luk 16:16
In this text "presseth" is the translation of the same work as is translated "by force" in Matthew 11:11.
Thus the interpretation of entering the Kingdom by "holy earnestness" is most likely the correct one, and, in my opinion, it makes the most sense in context.
I think at the time that Jesus said these things and now there are many people with misconceptions about the Kingdom of Heaven, and wish to impose these ideas. for example, when a person dies he goes to heaven, not to impportando or not followed the steps in the plan of salvation. there are others who claim that prfecisamor pray "in the intention of his great soul."
"The kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force." Matthew 11:12. What an encouragement to every soul! When, armed with the promises of God, you come to the Father in the name of Jesus, the Great Intercessor is seen by faith, standing at the altar of incense and having in His hand the golden censer. Misc collections, 1888, chap 111
Denford,
Leading up too the thought you've quoted here, Mrs. White has been saying things like,
"My heart has been drawn out in EARNEST PLEADING with God nearly the entire night"; and
"When Jesus is within the sanctuary above, when we have an Advocate in the courts of heaven, HOW EARNESTLY should the corresponding work of intercession be going on upon the earth! While we may see and should sense the guilt of sin, we are to appreciate the mercy of God through the atonement...";
and so, it appears to me that when she quotes the verse about the violent taking the kingdom of heaven by force, she is referring to that fervency, and to that earnest determination and sincerity which is necessary to bring a difference.
Thank God for mysteries in the bible that finite beings cannot comprehend and understand upon series of investigations and researches, other than that men will assume themselves as the creators of the world.
Scientists are trying seriously to prove God wrong as not the creator of the world, saying that everything came as a result of it's natural form. The mysteries in the Bible men cannot comprehend makes God Supreme and unique. Men can never understand God fully till Christ comes but any substance needed for our salvation has been catered for. We are only to just trust and believe.
Even when we get into heaven we will find answers to anything that we don't understand from the Bible . Shalom !!!
The great controversy between God and Satan has reached it's highest peak in our minds because the time is near. Whose side are you? Is better to be in Christ to receive rest for your soul during His 2nd coming, amen.
Jesus contrasted John's spiritual life to his physical life. Of all people, no man fulfilled the God-given purpose better than John. Yet, in God's coming kingdom, all those present would have a greater spiritual heritage than John because he would have seen and known Christ and His finished work on the cross.There are three common views about the meaning of these verse:
1. Jesus may have been referring to a vast movement toward God, the momentum of which began with John's preaching.
2.A more literal translation of this verse reads, ''The Kingdom of Heaven suffers violence, and men of violence take it by force''. Most of the Jews in Jesus' day expected God's Kingdom to come through a violent overthrow of Rome. They wanted a kingdom, but not Jesus' kind.
3. A third translation reads,'' The Kingdom of Heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it''. The emphasis of this alternative is that entering the Kingdom takes courage, unwavering faith, determination, and endurance because of persecution leveled at Jesus' followers.John was not a resurrected Elijah, but he took Elijah's prophetic role- boldly confronting sin and pointing people to God( Malachi 3:1)
Its a bit difficulty to understand it but we need to pray and ask the holy spirit to give us wisdom to be able to understand what God is saying to us.
Men and prophets of the kingdom were either imprisoned, stoned, beaten, beheaded, banished to an island, fed to the Lions, or crucified. Tell me why I should naturally desire to be a part of such Kingdom. A kingdom besieged by so much violence will only be desired by men who are ready to take the bull by its horns. Jesus told his would-be disciples from last week's lesson (Matt 8:19-22) that to be a part of the kingdom, one must be ready to forsake all things, gird the loins and press onwards, never looking back. It's not an easy road to heaven, considering the word Jesus used in Luke 13:24,"strive."
In the parable of the sower, the kingdom of heaven was likened to the seed falling on different grounds and having different consequences. The controversy over our souls is fierce, we can't just lie fallow as if we have no part to play in it. In Our daily decisions in warring against lust of the flesh, of the eyes, and pride of life, it is indeed going to require a violent zeal to lay hold on the kingdom of God.
Thanks for the Intuitive references given here.They've been of great help to me.. I pray our good God would help us make choices and decisions that will pattern our lifes and model our characters to become ambassador for his heavenly kingdom.AMEN.