Attitudes Toward Christ

Attitudes Toward Christ

Introduction
Matthew 11 surveys the heart’s responses to Jesus—from doubt to dissatisfaction to defiance—and shows the gracious path to saving faith (Matthew 11:1–30).

The Weight of Attitude
A wise observation about perseverance is often linked to Abraham Lincoln: prepare diligently and be ready when opportunity arrives. Attitude shaped his course. Scripture shows that attitude shapes eternal destiny. In Matthew 11, Jesus meets three prevailing attitudes toward Himself and teaches how grace corrects each one.

Doubt that Seeks an Answer
John the Baptist, confined in Herod’s prison, sent messengers: “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?” (Matthew 11:2–3). John had announced the Lamb of God and heard the Father’s voice at the Jordan. Prison’s shadows and unmet expectations stirred questions. Jesus answered with evidence: “The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them” and “Blessed is he who is not offended because of Me” (Matthew 11:4–6). He directed John to the Scriptures that foretold these works (Isaiah 29:18–19; 35:5–6). Doubt that goes to the Source receives clarity; the Word expels the fog.

Scripture as the Cure for Uncertainty
The Lord anchored John’s faith in prophecy fulfilled. That pattern holds. Creation bears clear testimony to the eternal power and deity of God, leaving the unbelieving world without excuse (Romans 1:20–21). The resurrection is attested by many witnesses, including a group of five hundred at once (1 Corinthians 15:3–8). The Gospel of John records selected signs “that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name” (John 20:30–31). God provides evidence; humble hearts receive it.

Dissatisfaction that Refuses Every Tune
Jesus likened “this generation” to children in the marketplace who reject both a joyful song and a mournful song (Matthew 11:16–19). John lived with austerity and called for repentance; critics labeled him possessed. The Son of Man shared table fellowship as He announced the nearness of grace; critics labeled Him a glutton, a winebibber, and a friend of sinners. Some hearers wanted a message that pleased preference. Christ offered truth that heals the soul and calls for obedience.

Defiance in the Face of Privilege
Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum saw mighty works and remained unrepentant (Matthew 11:20–24). The Lord declared that pagan cities would have turned at such light. To have abundant opportunity and remain unmoved invites heavier judgment. Witnessed signs and preached truth establish accountability.

Receiving the Implanted Word
The proper attitude is meekness toward God’s revelation. James urges believers to lay aside filthiness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save the soul (James 1:21). Matthew 11 ends with Christ’s gracious invitation: “Come to Me… and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28–30). Doubters are welcomed, the dissatisfied are given true rest, and the defiant are called to repentance before privilege turns to peril.

Attitudes Toward Christ Sermon Outline:

• The Weight of Attitude: Opportunity and preparation; attitudes determine response to Jesus (Matthew 11:1–30).

• Doubt that Seeks an Answer: John’s question and the Lord’s evidences (Matthew 11:2–6; Isaiah 29:18–19; 35:5–6).

• Scripture as the Cure for Uncertainty: Creation’s testimony; resurrection witnesses; written signs (Romans 1:20–21; 1 Corinthians 15:3–8; John 20:30–31).

• Dissatisfaction that Refuses Every Tune: Children in the marketplace; rejection of both John and Jesus (Matthew 11:16–19).

• Defiance in the Face of Privilege: Woes on Galilean cities; accountability for revealed light (Matthew 11:20–24).

• Receiving the Implanted Word: Meekness, repentance, and Christ’s rest (James 1:21; Matthew 11:28–30).

• Conclusion: Christ offers evidence, grace, and rest; the right attitude is humble faith that obeys.

Call to Action
Take your attitude to the feet of Jesus. Bring doubt to the Scriptures He fulfilled. Lay aside dissatisfaction and receive His rest. Turn from defiance to repentance. Hear, believe, and confess Jesus as the Christ, and be baptized in His name for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38). Walk in meekness, receiving the implanted word day by day.

Key Takeaways

• Jesus answers honest doubt with Scriptural evidence and merciful blessing (Matthew 11:4–6; Isaiah 29:18–19; 35:5–6).

• God provides abundant proof in creation and in the resurrection witnesses (Romans 1:20–21; 1 Corinthians 15:3–8).

• Hearts that demand their own tune reject both stern warning and joyful grace (Matthew 11:16–19).

• Privilege without repentance leads to heavier judgment (Matthew 11:20–24).

• Meekness receives the implanted word and finds rest in Christ (James 1:21; Matthew 11:28–30).

Scripture Reference List

• Matthew 11:1–30 — Three attitudes toward Christ; Christ’s invitation to rest.

• Isaiah 29:18–19; 35:5–6 — Messianic signs of hearing, seeing, healing, rejoicing.

• Romans 1:20–21 — Creation’s clear witness to God’s power and deity.

• 1 Corinthians 15:3–8 — Christ died for our sins; resurrection witnesses.

• John 20:30–31 — Signs recorded to produce faith in Jesus as the Christ.

• James 1:21 — Receiving the implanted word with meekness for salvation.

• Acts 2:38 — Repentance and baptism in the name of Jesus Christ.

Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO