Matthew 11
1When Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in their towns.
The disciples went to all of the towns of Israel to offer the Messianic Kingdom to the Jews. Jesus followed the disciples into the all of these towns and made the same offer. The Jewish people were not interested.
Jesus and John the Baptist
2Now when John heard in prison about the deeds Christ had done, he sent his disciples to ask a question:
John the Baptist was imprisoned for teaching against the incest marriage of King Herod.
3“Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?”
John was wondering why Jesus had not yet established the Messianic Kingdom.
4Jesus answered them, “Go tell John what you hear and see: 5The blind see, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news proclaimed to them. 6Blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me.”
These were all prophecies that only the Messiah could perform. Since Jesus had performed all of these prophecies, then He was communicating to John that Jesus was indeed the Messiah. John’s ministry had not been in vain. John had introduced the true Messianic King to Israel.
7While they were going away, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind?
John was not unstable in his teaching. He did not change his teaching wherever the wind blew.
8What did you go out to see? A man dressed in fancy clothes? Look, those who wear fancy clothes are in the homes of kings!
John wore the opposite of fancy clothes. He was not of this world. He was the herald of the Messianic King. He was not welcome in this world. Therefore, he would not receive fancy clothes or a high position in Roman government.
9What did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.
A prophet is one who reveals divine information directly from God.
10This is the one about whom it is written: ‘Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’
Jesus quoted a prophecy from Malachi 3:1. Malachi was the last prophet of the Old Testament. His message to Israel was that they were to look for a herald to precede and announce the Messiah.
11“I tell you the truth, among those born of women, no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he is.
John was the greatest prophet born of woman. However, the lowest position in the Kingdom of heaven is greater than the position of John the Baptist on earth.
12From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence and forceful people lay hold of it.
Prophets were killed violently for proclaiming God’s messianic program.
13For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John appeared. 14And if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah, who is to come. 15The one who has ears had better listen!
If the Jews would have turned from the satanic world system and accepted Jesus as their Messiah, then John the Baptist would have completed the ministry of Elijah. Since the nation rejected Jesus, then Elijah will return before the second coming of Christ. It is the ministry of Elijah who will lead Israel back to their Messiah.
16“To what should I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces who call out to one another, 17‘We played the flute for you, yet you did not dance; we wailed in mourning, yet you did not weep.’
Israel was like spoiled children in the marketplace playing children’s games. They say “Let’s play funeral.” Then, they get bored and say “let’s play wedding.”
18For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon!’ 19The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at him, a glutton and a drunk, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ But wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.”
John was condemned because he would not socialize and have a good time. Jesus was condemned because He did socialize and have a good time.
Woes on Unrepentant Cities
20Then Jesus began to criticize openly the cities in which he had done many of his miracles, because they did not repent.
Jesus visited every city in Israel. He performed miracles to authenticate His claims, but the people rejected Him.
21“Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! If the miracles done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.
Chorazin and Bethsaida were given more light than Tyre and Sidon, but they rejected the tremendous light which they were given.
22But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you!
Chorazin and Bethsaida will experience greater suffering in the Lake of Fire.
23And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? No, you will be thrown down to Hades! For if the miracles done among you had been done in Sodom, it would have continued to this day. 24But I tell you, it will be more bearable for the region of Sodom on the day of judgment than for you!”
Jesus established His headquarters in Capernaum, yet they still rejected Him. Capernaum’s judgment will be worse than Sodom.
Jesus’ Invitation
25At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent, and revealed them to little children.
Revelation comes directly from God. No one can understand this revelation unless God allows one to do so. God reveals more to those who are obedient to Him.
26Yes, Father, for this was your gracious will.
God gives knowledge of Himself out of His kindness.
27All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son decides to reveal him.
God the Father will hand down everything to the Son. This is called Project Footstool. After God the Father makes Satan His footstool, then He will give all things to the Son. According to John 6, all believers are a gift from the Father to the Son.
28Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Jesus offered the Messianic King to the Jews. If they were tired of being slaves in the satanic world system, then they could come to Jesus and He would immediately usher in the Kingdom.
29Take my yoke on you and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy to bear, and my load is not hard to carry.”
Satan placed a yoke of sin on Israel that they could not carry. Jesus offered them a different Kingdom where Jesus would be the Master. He could give them all a light burden in which they would enjoy. Man was created to labor. Unless a man labors for the Lord, then he will never be happy or satisfied.