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Matthew 11

And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities.

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

And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?

Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see:

The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.

And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.

And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind?

But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses.

But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet.

For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.

Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.

For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.

And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come.

He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows,

And saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented.

For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil.

The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.

Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not:

Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.

But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you.

And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.

But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee.

At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.

Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight.

All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

What does Matthew 11:10 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 11:10 quotes Jesus as He describes John the Baptist's role in the unfolding plan of God.

The verse underscores the fulfillment of prophecy and sets the stage for the Messiah's imminent ministry.

The literal meaning is clear: Jesus identifies John as the prophesied messenger who would prepare the way for Him.

The deeper significance lies in the affirmation of John's role in divine prophecy, his preparation work for Jesus’ ministry, and the connection between the Old Testament prophecy and the New Testament fulfillment.

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Historical Context

This verse is situated in the context of Jesus responding to the disciples of John the Baptist who inquired if Jesus was indeed 'The Coming One' or if they should expect someone else (Matthew 11:3).

Jesus confirms His messianic identity by pointing out the miracles being performed and then proceeds to testify about John's prophetic role.

The historical setting is first-century Palestine, a period of eschatological expectation among the Jews.

The reference to the written word alludes to the prophecy in the Book of Isaiah and Malachi, where a forerunner is mentioned who would pave the way for the Lord.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, Matthew 11:10 is pivotal as it affirms the continuity of God's salvation history from the Old to the New Testament.

By citing the Old Testament prophecy, Jesus ties John the Baptist's mission to the broader theological narrative of preparation for the Messiah.

Different denominations may emphasize John's role as either more symbolic (preparing the hearts of people) or as direct and literal (identifying Jesus as the Messiah).

The verse solidifies the concept of prophetic fulfillment which is central to understanding Jesus as the expected Messiah.

Practical Applications

The practical application of this verse can be seen in the call for readiness and the importance of preparing for significant events in life, spiritually or otherwise.

It teaches the value of humility and recognizing the role of others in larger plans or purposes.

In daily life, individuals can embody the spirit of John the Baptist by being messengers who pave the way for truth, justice, and the strengthening of faith within their communities.

Cross-References

Malachi 3:1 - "Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me..."
Isaiah 40:3 - "The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God."
Luke 7:27 - "This is [he], of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee."

Language Study

The key phrase in the original Greek text from the Gospel of Matthew is "ἰδοὺ ἐγὼ ἀποστέλλω τὸν ἄγγελόν μου" ("idou ego apostello ton angelon mou"), which translates as "Behold, I send my messenger." Here, "ἀποστέλλω" (apostello) denotes sending with a commission, or sending with authority. "ἄγγελόν" (angelon) translates to messenger, one who is sent to announce or proclaim, and can refer to both heavenly beings (angels) and humans (messengers).

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparing this narrative to other ancient myths and religious interpretations, there are common motifs of heralds or messengers who precede great figures, such as Hermes in Greek mythology serving as a herald for the gods.

In various religious traditions, figures who prepare the way for the coming of a greater force or a deity are prevalent, reflecting the universal archetype of the forerunner or the herald.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives do not directly engage with this verse as it speaks to theological and spiritual beliefs rather than empirical claims.

However, the science of archaeology has contributed to the understanding of the historical and cultural context of the time, which can aid in interpreting the text with greater accuracy and depth.

Commentaries

Commentators have reflected on this verse in various ways:

Some have focused on the significance of "preparation," noting how John the Baptist's ministry prepared hearts and minds for Jesus' message.
Scholars like R.T.

France emphasize the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy in Jesus' words, linking Jewish expectations to Jesus' ministry.

Others, such as William Barclay, highlight the character and role of John the Baptist as the consummate Old Testament prophet and the transitional figure to the new covenant in Christ.

Overall, this verse is widely seen among biblical scholars as a declaration of John's pivotal role in heralding the arrival of the Messiah and the turning point in biblical salvation history.

Matthew 11

Matthew 11

What does Matthew 11:10 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Matthew Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Matthew 11:10 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Matthew Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?