Matthew 11
- Matthew 11:1-5
- John clearly already knew who Jesus was, having baptized him. But why did he send his disciples to ask this?
- Possibly, John’s faith was shaken, having been put in prison.
- He could have sent the disciples for their own benefit to reinforce their faith.
- See Isaiah 35:5-10. Note the context. This is referencing the coming of the kingdom of God. Jesus gave them an answer that required them to think.
- John clearly already knew who Jesus was, having baptized him. But why did he send his disciples to ask this?
- Matthew 11:6 – People in Jesus’ hometown took offense at Him.
- John 6:54-56
- John 16:1 – Jesus’ disciples would be persecuted.
- Jesus was offensive to those for whom He did not:
- Meet their expectations
- Bring peace on earth
- Matthew 11:7-11 – John the Baptist also offended them. See Malachi 3:1-5.
- Matthew 11:12 – Compare Mark 10:35. Some people thought Jesus’ kingdom was one that would rule by force. This could also be saying that to be in the kingdom took effort (Luke 16:16). This could also mean that the kingdom of heaven was advancing and those who wanted to be in it were seizing it.
- “take it by force” – See Matthew 12:29; John 6:15
- Matthew 11:13-14 – See Colossians 4:6; Jude 1:22-23. If the listener does not accept the message, it is possible they would have refused it no matter how it was presented.
- Matthew 11:20-24 – Those who had seen more would have more required of them (Luke 12:47-48). God has blessed us greatly and He expects a lot out of us.
- Matthew 11:25-26 – The gospel is for the ordinary man.
- Matthew 11:28-30 – See Jeremiah 6:16.