Third Sunday of Advent Matthew 11:2-11

Where is Jesus When the Need is "Deep and Great?"

In the darkness of a Herodian prison, John the Baptist seems to have had some doubts about his cousin, Jesus of Nazareth. We started Advent with the Baptizer telling off the Pharisees as he made the way straight for Jesus. But, some time later, he was rotting in prison and Jesus, the man who John had declared was so far beyond him that he was unworthy to tie his sandals, was… well, doing what? Healing people? Eating with tax collectors and sinners? Wandering around preaching? Where was the kingdom that John expected to see change the world?

He was wondering what many of us have in times of trouble: where is Jesus when the need (our need) is deep and great?

Note: I will be quoting from the ESV unless otherwise noted.

Ancient…

1. What are some times where circumstances have led you to doubt Jesus?

2. Does Jesus sometimes seem very far away and out of touch to you? How do you react to that feeling?

3. What are some ways in which you think you made up your own image of who Jesus (or God) is?

4. How do you tell whether or not you have a wrong…