Matthew 11; Verses 1-6; John the Baptist in Prison

Thank you for taking a look. †

(Matthew 11:1-6) "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.

(After one whole chapter of instructions while sending the disciples out, Christ is alone now. Time for a break? Nope. Now Christ is in the northern cities once again. Notice: Christ and the disciples always dissociated themselves because (for one) those living in the land were not the tribes of Israel for the most part. Secondly, as Christians, this world is not our home, just as it was not Christ's home at His first coming. However, at the second coming--it's ALL His.)

Teach(er) = Teaches instructional doctrine
Preach(er) = Messenger that carries news openly

Christ does both. In other words, preaching is to declare doctrines (repentance/baptism/resurrection, and so on). To teach is to apply the doctrine, and any pastor should be doing both.

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

(Word gets around quick--even when John the Baptist was sitting alone in prison. We gather here that John the Baptist was allowed visitors, which is how he knew of Christ's works.)

Overall, let's remember that John the Baptist is sitting in prison for the sake of Christ.

3And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?

He's saying, "Are you the Messiah (savior/deliverer)?"

Now many (and I have seen it) look at John the Baptist in a bad "light" here. Doing so is nonsense and overlooks the human element of John the Baptist in this situation. He was sitting in prison facing the "death penalty" possibly malnourished, likely feeling a bit alone, and perhaps wanting reassurance that this is all worth it. Anyone who looks down on John should think about times they may have had their faith tested like this? Have you ever suffered for the sake of the Gospel? Have you ever stood up for righteousness like this?

4Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see:

There is a big difference between asking questions in sincerity and being accusatory with the intent of trying to trip Christ up. Another big thing to consider is understanding that Christ knows our circumstances and our hearts, and if we ask questions in sincerity that's ALL good. However, we should expect to welcome correction just as easily as we freely ask our question(s).

5The 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.
Notice, Christ did not say look at my words here, look at the actions, the evidence. So should you for the cause of discernment. John the Baptist knew His words well.

(Consider the overwhelming evidence here. Have you ever see these things before? Have you ever heard them day after day? We are supposed to pay attention (healing-wise) having the ability to perceive with eyes to see and ears to hear, the same way those whom Christ healed did.)

But what did they see? Let's go to Luke 7:20-21 to get every angle:

20"When the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?

21And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight."

Back to Matthew 11:6,

6And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me."

Well, that ended that.

(Offended here = to cause distrust, and increasingly desert one. There we have John the Baptist sitting in prison, alone, wanting confirmation and reassurance. "Blessed", basically telling them to relay to John to be happy and joyful. The Messiah is here, and he's sitting in prison for the right reasons. This will be huge to consider to those who are delivered up directly to satan in Revelation 2:9-10 while being faithful (though it will not mean being physically murdered/killed when delivered up). This is comforting for us, seeing and knowing others overcame; we all have similar questions in trials when it comes to faith and our suffering. We all want confirmation and reassurance. This is also true when it comes to any relationship, for that matter. Trust; and in gaining trust we should look at evidence for doing so by using our reasoning and common sense.)

In the next post, Christ gives confirmation pertaining to who John the Baptist is, a prophet (teacher) and much more, especially regarding his duties.


Post reference:

(Revelation 2:10-11) "Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

11He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death."

Amen. †