October 26 2024
A video introduction using illustrations, personal stories, metaphors, or active learning examples to begin the discussion.
After the video, prompts are supplied for thinking and sharing with others personal perception and experience. This opening activity prompts participants to think about and relate to the topic, and to share with others.
The title the G.O.A.T. (Greatest of all Time) will always be a very difficult title to prove, or for someone to try to live up to.
What is “The Best . . . ?”
You can say that anything is the best, but a personal preference will ultimately drive the argument. But when God uses superlatives in His word, is it for real? When Jesus makes a shocking statement, it might be a hyperbole (exaggeration), or maybe it is precisely accurate.
What do you think?
The Bible discussion begins with a careful reading of the whole passage, either from your own Bibles, or from the provided images below.
Then participants are to ask:
Read the whole section Matthew 11:1-11 to gauge whether the "greatest of all time" caption works for John the Baptist. Don’t miss what is going on in Christ’s mind when He pronounces the title.
Jesus and John the Baptist
1 1 After Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in the towns of Galilee.
2 When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples 3 to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”
4 Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: 5 The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. 6 Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”
7 As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 8 If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces. 9 Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10 This is the one about whom it is written:
“‘I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’
11 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.
The statement that Jesus makes about John the Baptist is compelling. What are His cousin’s quality/qualities that Jesus makes outrageous claims about? That he is focused? Committed? Sincere? Bold? Selfless?
Follow the logic or the outrageous, inverted, and unexpected direction of Jesus' claim:
1) John the Baptist, who admits that he is unfit to tie the sandals of Jesus and needs to be baptized by Christ instead of the other way around. John, who by his own admission, should decrease, and Jesus should increase.
2) If Jesus says that John is the "greatest born of a woman," but those who are least in the kingdom are greater," we have an upside-down type of moment. How do you explain this statement?
The selflessness/humility of the "G.O.A.T." is referred to on several occasions.
Notice that the most amazing words by Jesus for John the Baptist happen when the selfless forerunner of Christ is struggling with uncertainty and doubts in prison.
A parting video clip with a personal invitation to apply the message to “knowing Christ” and “living in Christ” in the coming week.