Search results
John was a self-denying man, dead to all the pomps of the world and the pleasures of sense. It becomes people, in all their appearances, to be consistent with their character and their situation. John was a great and good man, yet not perfect; therefore he came short of glorified saints.
David Guzik commentary on Matthew 11, in which Jesus answers the question of the disciples of John the Baptist concerning His authenticity as the Messiah.
Christ loved little children and made them models of kingdom virtues (Matthew 18:1-6) and flatly declared that unto such "belongs the kingdom of God" (Matthew 19:14). But here, Jesus used unruly and misbehaving children as a simile for the obdurate and unreasonable generation which rejected him and his kingdom.
In the passage, Jesus speaks about a profound transition in the unfolding of God's plan with the arrival of John the Baptist. This moment marks a critical juncture in history where the Law and the Prophets demonstrated their ultimate purpose—pointing towards the Messiah.
In this chapter we have, I. The constant and unwearied diligence of our Lord Jesus in his great work of preaching the gospel (v. 1). II. His discourse with the disciples of John concerning his being the Messiah (v. 2-6). III. The honourable testimony that Christ bore to John Baptist (v. 7-15). IV.
- And thou, Capernaum (Matthew 4:13, note), which art exalted unto heaven; Shalt thou be exalted unto heaven? (Revised Version); Μὴ ἕως οὐρανοῦ ὑψωθήσῃ; i.e. Shalt thou be raised high in public estimation, as thou thinkest, who art so proud of thy share in the busy and gay life on the lakeside?
This leads into chapters 11-13, where Matthew has collected a group of stories about people responding to Jesus and his message. It’s a mixed bag. Some react positively; they love Jesus and recognize him as the Messiah. Others are neutral; they’re not sure what to make of Jesus.
