Day 14: Matthew 11 | 2026 Lenten Reading Plan

Thank you for joining us for the thirteenth reading in our Lenten Reading Plan. Find all the resources you need below: Read Matthew 11 on Bible Gateway: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2011&version=ESV Listen to Matthew 11: https://share.transistor.fm/s/77053503 Download your own Lenten Reading Plan Bookmark: https://higherthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/HT_Lenten-Reading-Plan-Bookmark-2601-PRINT-at-home.pdf Download the 2026 Lenten Reading Plan Study Guide: https://higherthings.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/HT_Lenten-Reading-Plan-Study-Guide-2511.pdf Matthew 11 shows John the Baptist doubting in prison, sending disciples to ask Jesus, "Are you the one who is to come or shall we look for another?" After faithfully speaking all of the hard things that God had him speak, John faces execution and wonders if he followed the wrong person. Doubt is a First Commandment issue. “We should fear, love, and trust God above all things,” but sometimes we don't. This sin, like all sins, is forgiven through Christ's death. The word "doubt" means having two minds about something. It means believing something is true while simultaneously being unsure because it doesn't look or feel true. John demonstrates what to do with doubt: take it directly to the Lord. Jesus doesn't rebuke John but responds with evidence of His ministry: the blind see, the lame walk, and the poor receive good news. The chapter ends with an invitation: "Come to me all who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest." This promise is backed by Easter; Christ's resurrection witnessed by over 500 people and carried through martyrdom and persecution. The historicity of Scripture provides solid ground when hearts are weak. When doubt comes, we bring our weak faith to Jesus through concrete means: talking to pastors, attending church, singing hymns, and receiving sacraments. These gifts are given specifically for times of doubt, providing rest and strengthening faith when we need it most. Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Executive Director of Missions and Theology. #higherthings #lcms #lutheran #lent If you have questions or topics that you'd like discussed on Higher Things, email them to content@higherthings.org Subscribe to our channel to get notifications when we go live: http://youtube.com/@HTgospel4all To support the work of Higher Things®, visit https://higherthings.org/morehi/giving/ For more information about Higher Things, go to http://higherthings.org ------ Join the conversation on Social Media: http://facebook.com/higherthings http://instagram.com/higherthings https://www.tiktok.com/@higherthings