What Do You Hear & See? Greater Than John: Living in Humble Surrender to God's Kingdom Matthew 11: 2-11
Sermon Resources
Title: What Do You Hear & See? Greater Than John: Living in Humble Surrender to God's Kingdom Sermon Summary: This sermon challenges believers to reconsider their expectations of God and their calling as disciples. Drawing from Matthew 11, the pastor explores how even John the Baptist struggled with unmet expectations while imprisoned, questioning whether Jesus was truly the Messiah. The core message emphasizes that Christians are called to be "greater than John the Baptist" not through their own strength, but through the indwelling Holy Spirit that enables daily surrender to God's will. The sermon calls particularly to seniors and all believers to reject cultural lies about decline and instead embrace their divine appointments, understanding that God never retires His servants. True transformation comes through the daily practice of believing God's Word, receiving His Spirit, and conceding (surrendering) our will to His through prayer and obedience.
Key Points:
John the Baptist, the greatest Old Testament prophet, had false expectations about the Messiah, expecting a political and military leader rather than a suffering servant
Christians can be "greater than John" because the Holy Spirit dwells within them, not just upon them
Offense toward God comes when He doesn't meet our expectations; blessing comes through humble surrender
The three-fold spiritual practice: Believe (the Bible about Jesus), Receive (the Holy Spirit's leading and filling), Concede (surrender daily to God's will)
God's thoughts and ways are higher than ours; we must resist inverting His vision to fit our understanding
Baptism is not the finish line but the starting line of the Christian life
Aging in the body should correspond with spiritual vibrancy and renewed purpose, not decline
The surrender prayer is essential for experiencing the fear of God and growing in His love
God equips those He calls, regardless of age or perceived limitations (Abraham at 75, Moses at 80)
Making disciples in 2026 requires intentional, personal Bible study with one or two people rather than just large classes
5-Day Devotional: Greater Than We Know Day 1: When Expectations Meet Reality Reading: Matthew 11:1-6
Devotional: Even John the Baptist, the greatest prophet, struggled when God's plan didn't match his expectations. From his prison cell, John sent disciples to ask Jesus, "Are you really the one?" His circumstances didn't align with what he thought the Messiah would do. Like John, we often become offended when God doesn't meet our expectations. But Jesus gently redirected John's focus to what was actually happening—the blind seeing, the lame walking, the poor hearing good news. Today, ask yourself: What expectations am I holding that might be blinding me to what God is actually doing? Blessed are those who are not offended when God works differently than anticipated.
Day 2: The Spirit Within Makes Us Greater Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:16-18; John 14:15-17
Devotional: Jesus declared that the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than John the Baptist. How can this be? John had the Spirit upon him, but we have the Spirit dwelling within us. This indwelling presence transforms everything. Though our outer bodies waste away, our inner spirits are being renewed daily. The same power that raised Christ from the dead lives in us. We're not called to more faith or more Bible study alone, but to more surrender—daily yielding every area of life to God's control. When we believe His Word, receive His Spirit, and concede our will to His, His love manifests powerfully through us. You carry a greater anointing than the greatest Old Testament prophet.
Day 3: The Surrender Prayer Reading: Luke 22:39-46; Romans 12:1-2
Devotional: Jesus' final prayer before the cross was simple yet profound: "Not my will, but yours be done." This is the heart of Christian discipleship. Transformation doesn't come primarily through accumulating knowledge but through daily surrender. When we pray, "Lord, take my time, my relationships, my resources, my fears, my future," we position ourselves to experience the fear of God in a healthy way—not terror, but reverent awe that births hope, peace, and joy. The surrender prayer peels away our false fears and replaces them with anticipation of what God will do. What area of your life are you still clutching tightly? Lay it at the altar today. God's love grows as we surrender.
Day 4: Your Burning Bush Moment Reading: Exodus 3:1-12; Acts 2:1-4
Devotional: Moses was 80 at the burning bush when destiny called. Abraham was 75 when he received God's promise. Your age doesn't disqualify you from divine appointment. Society lies to seniors, suggesting aging means fading away, but Scripture declares your final years are for divine purpose, not decline. Your spirit should be more vibrant now than ever before. What is God calling you to in this season? He's equipped you for what He's assigned. The same Spirit that empowered the early church on Pentecost lives in you. God never retires His servants. The righteous bear fruit in old age and stay fresh and green. Your story isn't ending—it's entering its most surrendered, purposeful chapter yet.
Day 5: Go and Make Disciples Reading: Matthew 28:16-20; 2 Timothy 1:3-7
Devotional: Jesus' final commission was clear: "Go and make disciples, and I will be with you always." Notice He didn't say, "Go when you feel qualified" or "Go when circumstances are perfect." He simply said go—and promised His presence. Making disciples isn't about being an expert; it's about walking alongside one or two people, exploring Scripture together, asking questions, and helping each other believe, receive, and concede. What do you see Jesus doing in your life? What do you hear Him calling you to do? Who is that one person God is placing on your heart? Fan into flame the gift within you. God hasn't given you a spirit of fear but of power, love, and self-discipline. This is your moment. Your assignment awaits.
Reflection Question for the Week: How will you respond to God's call to surrender more fully and step into disciple-making in 2026?
Small Group Guide: "What Do You See and Hear?" Based on Matthew 11:2-11
Opening Prayer Begin by praying the surrender prayer mentioned in the sermon, asking God to help members be open to His leading and willing to surrender their expectations to His will.
Icebreaker Question Share about a time when your expectations didn't match reality. How did you respond? What did you learn from that experience?
Key Takeaways from the Sermon Even John the Baptist had wrong expectations about the Messiah - he expected a political/military deliverer, but Jesus came as a spiritual healer and savior.
We become offended when God doesn't meet our expectations - Blessed are those who are not offended by Jesus (Matthew 11:6).
The least in the kingdom of God is greater than John the Baptist because we have the Holy Spirit living within us, not just upon us.
Three key practices for transformation:
Believe - what the Bible says about Jesus Receive - ask for the Holy Spirit's filling and leading daily Concede - surrender your will to God's will Your final years are not for decline but for divine appointment - God never retires His servants.
Discussion Questions Section 1: Examining Our Expectations What expectations do you have about how God should work in your life? Where did these expectations come from (culture, upbringing, past experiences)?
John the Baptist doubted Jesus while sitting in prison. Have you ever doubted God during difficult circumstances? What helped you through that season?
The sermon mentioned that "we get offended when God doesn't meet our expectations." Can you identify an area where you might be offended with God right now? What expectation isn't being met?
Section 2: Being Greater Than John the Baptist How does it feel to hear that you are "greater than John the Baptist"? What does this mean practically for your daily life?
The sermon emphasized that we have the Holy Spirit living within us, not just upon us. How does this change the way you approach challenges, relationships, or decision-making?
Read 2 Corinthians 4:16 together. In what ways are you "wasting away outwardly" but being "renewed inwardly"? Share examples from your life.
Section 3: Surrender and Calling The pastor asked: "What do you see yourself doing in 2026 as it pertains to going and making disciples?" How would you answer this question?
The sermon mentioned doing Bible study with one or two people in an informal way. Who might God be calling you to walk alongside in this way? What's holding you back?
Discuss the surrender prayer concept. What area of your life is hardest to surrender to God? (Examples: finances, health, relationships, career, retirement plans, family concerns)
Section 4: Aging and Purpose For those in later seasons of life: How does the cultural message about aging differ from the biblical message shared in this sermon? Which message have you been believing?
The sermon mentioned Abraham at 75 and Moses at 80 receiving their callings. What does this tell us about God's timing and our usefulness to Him at any age?
Practical Applications This Week's Challenge (Choose One or More):
Option 1: The Surrender Prayer
Obtain the blue card or surrender prayer insert mentioned in the sermon Commit to praying it daily for the next week Journal about what God reveals to you through this practice Notice what fears begin to diminish
Option 2: Identify One Person
Ask God to show you one specific person to walk alongside in 2026 This could be for informal Bible study, spiritual friendship, or mentoring Write down their name and begin praying for them daily Reach out to them this week for coffee or a conversation
Option 3: Expectation Inventory
Make a list of your current expectations about: How God should work in your life What your retirement/later years should look like What ministry or service should look like at your age Bring these expectations before God in prayer Ask Him to show you which expectations need to be surrendered
Option 4: Fan the Flame
Read 2 Timothy 1:5-7 daily Identify the "gift of God" that is in you Ask God to show you how to "fan into flame" this gift in 2026 Take one concrete step toward using this gift this week Memory Verse Matthew 11:6 (NIV) "Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me."
or
2 Corinthians 4:16 "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day."
Closing Reflection Take 5-10 minutes of silence for personal reflection:
What is one thing God spoke to you through this sermon and discussion? What is one action step you will take this week? What expectation do you need to surrender to God?
Closing Prayer Pray together using this framework:
Believe: Thank God for what His Word reveals about Jesus Receive: Ask for the Holy Spirit's filling and leading for each person Concede: Surrender specific expectations and areas of life to God's will Commission: Ask God to show each person their specific calling for 2026
For Group Leaders Preparation Tips:
Have copies of the surrender prayer available Consider having members share testimony about times God didn't meet their expectations but did something better Be sensitive to older members who may feel the cultural pressure to "fade away."
Create space for honest sharing about doubts and disappointments with God.
Follow-Up:
Check in next week about surrender prayer experiences Ask who God brought to mind for discipleship relationships Celebrate any steps taken toward fanning gifts into flame
