1 When Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in their cities.
2 Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples
3 and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?”
4 And Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see:
5 the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them.
6 And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.”
7 As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind?
8 What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses.
9 What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.
10 “This is he of whom it is written, ‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.’”
11 Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
12 From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force.
13 For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John,
14 and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come.
15 He who has ears to hear, let him hear.
16 “But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their playmates,”
17 “‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’
18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’
19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds.”
20 Then he began to denounce the cities where most of his mighty works had been done, because they did not repent.
21 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.”
22 But I tell you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for Tyre and Sidon than for you.
23 And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? You will be brought down to Hades. For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.
24 But I tell you that it will be more tolerable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom than for you.”
25 At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children;
26 yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.
27 All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
The True Meaning of Matthew 11
The Gospel of Matthew was written by the apostle Matthew, also known as Levi, who was a tax collector before being called by Jesus to become one of his twelve disciples. Jesus addresses the doubts and questions of John the Baptist in this chapter, as well as pronounces judgment on the unrepentant cities. We will witness Jesus’ compassionate response to John’s disciples, his praise for John the Baptist, and his lament over the rejection of his message by the people as we delve into this passage. These events provide valuable insights into the nature of Jesus’ ministry and the challenges he faced in his earthly mission.
Throughout this chapter, we will also find echoes of other biblical passages, such as the prophecy of Isaiah regarding the Messiah and the call to repentance that resonates throughout the Gospels. These connections serve to reinforce the unity and continuity of God’s plan for the salvation of humanity.
Matthew 11:1-6
Matthew 11:1-6 states, “After Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in the towns of Galilee. When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples to ask him, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?’ Jesus replied, ‘Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me. Jesus is continuing his ministry in Galilee after instructing his twelve disciples in this section. John the Baptist, who is in prison at this time, sends his disciples to Jesus to inquire if He is truly the Messiah. John had previously baptized Jesus and proclaimed Him to be the Lamb of God, but in his current circumstance, he seems to be seeking confirmation. It is important to note the significance of John the Baptist in the Bible, as he was the one who prepared the way for Jesus’ ministry, fulfilling the prophecy in Isaiah 40:3. John’s doubt here is a reminder that even those with great faith can face moments of uncertainty, but it is how they respond that truly matters.
Jesus responds to John’s disciples by pointing to the miracles and signs that are happening as evidence of His Messianic identity. He mentions healing the blind, the lame walking, lepers being cleansed, the deaf hearing, the dead being raised, and the good news being preached to the poor. These acts align with the prophecies in the Old Testament regarding the Messiah, such as Isaiah 35:5-6 which speaks of the blind seeing and the lame leaping. Jesus affirms His identity as the long-awaited Messiah who brings restoration, healing, and salvation to all by highlighting these miracles.
The closing statement, “Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me,” serves as a reminder that faith requires trust even in times of uncertainty or difficulties. Jesus acknowledges that following Him may lead to challenges and stumbling blocks, but those who hold on to their faith and belief in Him will be blessed. This message is timeless and resonates with believers today, reminding them to trust in Jesus, even when circumstances seem unclear or challenging, for He is the source of true blessings and salvation. This passage in Matthew 11 provides a powerful account of Jesus’ response to John the Baptist’s inquiry and reinforces the foundational beliefs of the Christian faith. It showcases Jesus as the fulfillment of prophecies, the performer of miracles, and the source of blessings for those who place their trust in Him. This interaction between Jesus and John’s disciples serves as a testament to the importance of faith, trust, and belief in the midst of uncertainties and trials, echoing themes of redemption and salvation that are central to the Christian narrative.
Matthew 11:7-15
Several important sections in Matthew 11:7-15 provide deep insight into the ministry of John the Baptist, the expectations of the people, and the unique role of Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah.
Starting with verse 7, we see Jesus speaking about John the Baptist to the crowds. He asks the people what they went out into the wilderness to see when they went to hear John preach. Jesus acknowledges John’s importance as a prophet, confirming that John was not a man easily swayed by societal expectations, but a bold and courageous figure who preached the message of repentance fearlessly. Jesus is challenging the people to reflect on the true significance of John’s ministry and his role as the forerunner of the Messiah by posing these questions.
Moving on to verses 9-10, Jesus continues to speak about John, emphasizing his unique position in history. He describes John as more than a prophet, affirming that he is the one whom scripture foretold would prepare the way for the Lord. This reference to Malachi 3:1 underscores the significance of John’s ministry in preparing the hearts of the people for the coming of Jesus. John’s call for repentance and his role in baptizing people symbolized a spiritual cleansing and readiness for the arrival of the Messiah. Jesus further magnifies John’s role by highlighting his greatness in the kingdom of heaven in verses 11-15. Jesus asserts that among those born of women, no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist. This commendation from Jesus elevates John’s status to that of a pivotal figure in biblical history. Yet, Jesus also declares that the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than John. This statement contrasts the old covenant with the new covenant, indicating the surpassing greatness of the kingdom of God inaugurated by Jesus. It is a reminder that through Christ, a new era has commenced, offering a closer relationship with God and a fuller revelation of His grace. These verses emphasize the continuity between the Old and New Testaments by delving into the significance of John the Baptist’s ministry and his role in preparing the way for Jesus. They highlight the fulfillment of prophecy and the realization of God’s plan for salvation through Jesus Christ. The passages also serve as a call to the people to recognize Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, surpassing even John the Baptist in greatness and ushering in a new era of grace and redemption. This narrative underscores the importance of repentance, humility, and faith in embracing the kingdom of God, inviting believers to embrace the transformative power of Christ in their lives.
Matthew 11:16-19
Jesus is speaking to the crowds in Matthew 11:16-19 and using a parable to illustrate the rejection he and John the Baptist have faced despite their different approaches. He starts by saying, “To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others.” This comparison sets the stage for the following analogy.
Jesus goes on to explain that John the Baptist came neither eating nor drinking, living an ascetic life in the wilderness, and people said he had a demon. On the other hand, Jesus came eating and drinking, mingling with people and sharing meals, and they called him a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners. Essentially, Jesus is highlighting the fickleness of the people, who found fault regardless of the message or method.
This passage emphasizes the diverse ways in which God’s messengers can come to people, yet human hearts may still reject the message due to prejudice, preconceived notions, or unwillingness to change. John the Baptist lived a frugal life in the desert, calling people to repentance and preparing the way for the Messiah, while Jesus engaged with the people in their daily lives, demonstrating God’s love and grace through his interactions.
The reactions of the people to both John and Jesus show the tendency of humans to judge based on outward appearances rather than seeking the truth of the message being conveyed. This timeless message challenges us to look beyond our biases and expectations to truly see and understand God’s messengers and their teachings. Similar themes echoed in other parts of the Bible. For instance, in 1 Samuel 16:7, when God sends Samuel to anoint a new king for Israel, Samuel is reminded that God looks at the heart, not outward appearances. This concept is crucial in understanding the rejection faced by John the Baptist and Jesus in Matthew 11:16-19, as it underscores the importance of discerning spiritual messages with a heart open to the truth, rather than being swayed by external factors.
Matthew 11:20-24
Jesus addresses the cities where he had performed miracles but where the people still failed to repent in Matthew 11:20-24, conveying a powerful message. This passage is a part of Jesus’ response to the lack of belief he encountered despite his works and teachings. Jesus begins by denouncing the cities where most of his mighty works were done because they did not repent in verse 20. This highlights the importance of repentance and the rejection of Jesus’ message by those who witnessed his miracles but refused to change their ways. It serves as a warning that witnessing miracles or hearing the Word of God is not enough if it does not lead to a transformation of the heart and a turning away from sin.
Verse 21 specifically mentions the cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum, which were regions where Jesus spent a significant amount of time performing miracles and teaching. These cities had great privilege in having Jesus physically present among them, yet they did not respond in faith. This emphasizes the idea that with privilege comes responsibility, and the rejection of Jesus by those who had such direct exposure to him is a serious matter.
Jesus then compares these cities to Tyre, Sidon, and Sodom in verse 21-24. Tyre and Sidon were known for their wickedness and idolatry in the Old Testament, and Sodom was infamous for its depravity and immorality. The people of these cities, though they were pagan and known for their sins, would have repented if they had witnessed the miracles that the cities Jesus visited had seen. This comparison shows that even those who were considered the most sinful would have responded positively to Jesus’ message if given the chance, while those who had every opportunity to believe failed to do so.
This passage serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of rejecting Jesus and failing to repent. It teaches us about the importance of responding to God’s grace and the need for genuine repentance. It also highlights the danger of becoming complacent in our faith and taking for granted the opportunities we have to know and follow Jesus. It ultimately calls us to reflect on our own response to Jesus and to ensure that we are actively seeking repentance and transformation in our lives.
Matthew 11:25-30
Several important sections can be distinguished in Matthew 11:25-30. The first section consists of verses 25 and 26: “At that time Jesus said, ‘I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.’” Here, Jesus praises God for His wisdom in revealing truths to the humble and simple-hearted, rather than to those who are considered wise by the world’s standards. This concept is a recurring theme in the Bible, where God often chooses the weak and the humble to accomplish His purposes, as seen in the stories of characters like David, a shepherd boy chosen to be king (1 Samuel 16:11-13).
The next significant section is in verse 27: “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” This verse highlights the unique relationship between God the Father and Jesus the Son. It emphasizes Jesus’ role as the mediator between humanity and God, as mentioned in 1 Timothy 2:5, “For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus. Jesus says in verses 28-30, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Here, Jesus extends an invitation to all who are burdened by the weight of their sins or the demands of the world to come to Him for rest and salvation. The concept of taking His yoke and learning from Him is significant because in biblical times, a yoke was a wooden beam placed on the shoulders of oxen to help them pull a heavy load. Jesus is offering to share the burden with his followers, making their load lighter. This echoes the sentiment in Psalm 55:22, “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. Jesus reveals profound truths about the nature of God’s wisdom and his role as the mediator between humanity and God in these verses. He also offers solace and rest to all who are willing to come to Him with their burdens. This message of redemption, grace, and compassion continues to be a cornerstone of Christian faith and provides comfort and hope to believers throughout the ages.
After Matthew 11
Jesus performs miracles and teaches with great wisdom and authority in this chapter. He calls on all who are weary and burdened to come to Him for rest, promising to give them peace and comfort. Jesus also denounces the cities where He performed miracles because they did not repent. Let us reflect on the teachings of Jesus in this chapter as we remember His invitation to find rest in Him. His call to turn away from sin and find solace in His loving embrace should be heeded by us. We will witness more of Jesus’ powerful teachings and miracles in the next chapter, deepening our understanding of His divine nature and the salvation He offers to all who believe in Him.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.