Matthew Chapter 11

From The Open Bible Project

11:1 It happened that when Jesus had finished directing his twelve disciples, he departed from there to teach and preach in their cities.

• (1) Christ shows by his works that he is the promised Messiah.
• (a) Of instructing them with precepts.
• (b) The disciples’ cities, that is to say, in Galilee, where many of them were born; (Acts 2:7).

11:2 Now when John heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples

11:3 and said to him, "Are you he who comes, or should we look for another?"

11:4 Jesus answered them, "Go and tell John the things which you hear and see:

11:5 the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear,[54] the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them.[55]

11:6 Blessed is he who finds no occasion for stumbling in me."

11:7 As these went their way, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning John, "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind?

• (2) The similarity and the difference between the ministry of the prophets, the preaching of John, and the full light, of the gospel, which Christ has brought.

11:8 But what did you go out to see? A man in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in king's houses.

11:9 But why did you go out? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and much more than a prophet.

11:10 For this is he, of whom it is written, 'Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.'[56]

11:11 Most certainly I tell you, among those who are born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptizer; yet he who is least in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he.

• (c) In the new state of the Church where the true glory of God shines: the people are not compared together, but the types of doctrines, the preaching of John with the law and the prophets: and again, the most clear preaching of the gospel is compared with John’s.

11:12 From the days of John the Baptizer until now, the Kingdom of Heaven suffers violence, and the violent [57>]take it by force.[<57]

11:13 For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.

• (d) They prophesied of things to come, which are now present, and clearly and plainly seen.

11:14 If you are willing to receive it, this is Elijah, who is to come.

11:15 He who has ears to hear, let him hear.

11:16 "But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces, who call to their companions

• (3) There are none who are more stout and stubborn enemies of the gospel, than they to whom it ought to be most acceptable.
• (e) He blames the perverseness of this age, by a proverb, in that they could be moved neither with rough nor gentle dealing.

11:17 and say, 'We played the flute for you, and you didn't dance. We mourned for you, and you didn't lament.'

11:18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, 'He has a demon.'

11:19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Behold, a gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' But wisdom is justified by her [58>]children.[<58]"

• (4) That which the many refuse, the elect and chosen embrace.
• (f) Wise men acknowledge the wisdom of the gospel when they receive it.

11:20 Then he began to denounce the cities in which most of his mighty works had been done, because they didn't repent.

• (5) The proud reject the gospel offered to them (to their great hurt and pain) which leads to the salvation of the simple.

11:21 "Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon which were done in you, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.

11:22 But I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you.

11:23 You, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, you will go down to [59>]Hades.[<59] For if the mighty works had been done in Sodom which were done in you, it would have remained until this day.

11:24 But I tell you that it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom, on the day of judgment, than for you."

11:25 At that time, Jesus answered, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you hid these things from the wise and understanding, and revealed them to infants.

• (g) Through the ministry of Christ, who alone shows the truth of all things pertaining to God.

11:26 Yes, Father, for so it was well-pleasing in your sight.

• (h) This word shows that he contents himself in his Father’s council.
• (i) God’s will is the only rule of righteousness.

11:27 All things have been delivered to me by my Father. No one knows the Son, except the Father; neither does anyone know the Father, except the Son, and he to whom the Son desires to reveal him.

• (6) There is no true knowledge of God, nor quietness of mind, but only in Christ alone.

11:28 "Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest.

11:29 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.

11:30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

• (k) May easily be carried. For his commandments are not grievous, for all who are born of God overcome the world; (1 John 5:4).