Session 10
Matthew 11:1-6,16-24
Memory Verse: Matthew 11:5-6
Doubts and decisions don’t go well together.
Whether in business or the military, people want leaders
who are decisive.
Yet, we often struggle with decisions as questions flood our minds.
Often, we’re not debating the merits or truth of a matter.
Rather, we’re doubting ourselves.
Have we considered all the possibilities?
Is this the right thing to do or merely what we want to do?
What will happen if we make the commitment or if we do not?
Jesus demands a decision to trust and follow Him.
He understands human frailty, but He does not humor our doubts.
Instead, He helps us overcome them.
Ultimately, each person must decide if we believe that Jesus
is who He claims to be.
If so, we have to determine if we are willing to deny ourselves,
take up the cross of self-denial, and follow Him.
We choose the commitment of discipleship.
Skepticism abounds!
It has been almost fifty-seven years since Neil Armstrong
walked on the moon, yet there are still people who believe
it was a hoax.
Nearly every news story today will elicit skepticism concerning the facts.
Doubt and skepticism are good if they force us to investigate the truth.
They can be disastrous when they lead to denial of truth.
Such was the case with Jesus.
Skepticism led many to miss the life He offered. (PSG, p. 97)
Doubt and skepticism may be very natural and even necessary responses
when we are confronted with new ideas or decisions.
Note that, even as believers, we might experience times
when we are tempted to doubt Jesus in one way or another.
Remind the group of why Jesus came to earth.
(To provide salvation, seek and save the lost).
While He fulfilled His role perfectly, even those who knew Him best
had questions about Him.
Today’s session examines the doubts of one of these people
and how Jesus responded in love and truth.
By examining what Matthew had to say about Jesus
and His response to skepticism and doubt, we can learn
how to respond to our own doubts-
and the doubts of those around us.