What Jesus Did! 'Forceful Kingdom' — Matthew 11:12

Wednesday, May 21, 2025

[Talking to the crowds about John the Baptist, Jesus continued:] "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."
— Matthew 11:12 NLT

Key Thought

The Kingdom of God is powerful. But it has been, and will continue to be, under the attack of violent people. Opposition to John is a great reminder of this truth. The power of his message, the power of God's truth, the power of proclaiming the nearness of the Kingdom led to conflict and death for John. Jesus warned his disciples that they would face similar challenges. But the Kingdom advanced and continues to do so because the power behind it is much stronger than the forces which oppose it. Jesus' warning is clear. If opponents of the Kingdom gave John a hard time because he spoke with power of the coming Kingdom, what do you think they will do to us who live in the power of the Kingdom? We, too, must realize that we have a war on our hands and, like John, proceed faithfully toward God's goal for us and not our own, realizing that if we are a part of God's Kingdom, we will be victorious.

Today's Prayer

Righteous and Almighty God, please give your servants boldness, courage, and conviction as we seek to share the word of your grace with those who are caught in darkness. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Acts 14:21-22
  • Acts 8:12
  • 1 Corinthians 4:20

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1 Related Resource by Heartlight

Asking and Honoring
Article by Stacy Voss
How could he know for sure? Stacy Voss reminds us that John the Baptist asked a deep and important question of Jesus and Jesus answered with not only truth, but also words of honor and affirmation.

Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 11:12 NLT — "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."

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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