Matthew 11:1

John the Baptist Sends Messengers to Jesus

1 Now it came to pass, when Jesus finished commanding His twelve disciples, that He departed from there to ^ateach and to preach in their cities.

2 ^aAnd when John had heard ^bin prison about the works of Christ, he¹ sent two of his disciples

3 and said to Him, “Are You ^athe Coming One, or do we look for another?”

4 Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and tell John the things which you hear and see:

5 ^aThe blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and ^bthe poor have the gospel preached to them.

6 And blessed is he who is not ^aoffended because of Me.”

7 ^aAs they departed, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? ^bA reed shaken by the wind?

8 But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Indeed, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses.

9 But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, ^aand more than a prophet.

10 For this is he of whom it is written:
^a‘Behold, I send My messenger before Your face,
Who will prepare Your way before You.’

11 “Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

12 ^aAnd from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.

13 ^aFor all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.

14 And if you are willing to receive it, he is ^aElijah who is to come.

15 ^aHe who has ears to hear, let him hear!

16 ^a“But to what shall I liken this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their companions,

17 and saying:
‘We played the flute for you,
And you did not¹ dance;
We mourned to you,
And you did not lament.’

Commentaries:

Forerunner Commentary
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What Does Matthew 11:1 Mean?

Matthew 11:1-30

Matthew 11 provides an interesting example of Christ's thankfulness and praise. The context begins with the disappointing breakdown of John the Baptist's faith (verses 2-3) and the people's discontent with both John's solemn message and Christ's more joyous one (verses 16-19). Then follows the stubborn resistance to Christ's preaching in cities highly favored to receive His attention (verses 20-24). It seems as though everything is working against Him, but what is His reaction?

At that time Jesus answered and said, "I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight." (Matthew 11:25-26; Luke 10:21)

Jesus rejoiced in a thankful spirit even though, from a human point of view, it did not seem logical and right. In Jesus, God presents submission to us in its purist form. Even though "He made the worlds" (Hebrews 1:2), He thankfully and joyously bowed to the will of the Lord of heaven and earth.

John W. Ritenbaugh
Sovereignty and Its Fruit: Part Ten

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John the Baptist Sends Messengers to Jesus

What Does Matthew 11:1 Mean?

A Verse and a Thought,Every Morning

A Verse and a Thought,
Every Morning