Matthew 11

Written on 05/09/2024

Verses 1-6

  • Previously, John had boldly declared that Jesus was the Messiah (John 1:29).

    • It seems that, due to discouragement from being imprisoned, he began to doubt this.

  • Jesus let His works prove who He was.

    • Look at what Jesus did, in the Word, and what He does today, and this will encourage you!

 

Verses 7-11

  • John was the last messenger of the Old Covenant or Old Testament. And John was the greatest of all the Old Covenant messengers because he had the Holy Spirit from the womb (Luke 1:15).

  • But, anyone who comes into the kingdom in the New Covenant is greater than John, as we receive much greater blessing and favor from God in this time, because of Jesus. 

    • Know that living during this time you given great grace because of Jesus. Rejoice in this!

 

Verses 12-15

  • There is not yet a full understanding of what this verse means, so I won't teach it yet.

 

 

Verses 16-19

  • Verses 16-17. The Jews in Jesus' day thought they deserved more from God because they performed works of the law in an effort to get God's attention.

  • Verses 18-19. And when John and Jesus arrived to bring in God's new message, they accused them of evil.

  • Notice also that John was strict, but Jesus was known to eat and drink. No matter how strict or loose you are with religious rules, malicious people will always find a reason to insult you. So don't worry about their insults. Also keep in mind that since Jesus was looser with the "rules" than others. Namely, He didn't care about religious traditions or legalism, preferring to take joy in feasting with others and being relatable to them (see Matthew 12:1-8 for another example). Don't do what the Bible says is sinful, but don't be so strict that you come off as higher than others, or what causes you to be unrelatable. 

    • But the wisdom that came from John and Jesus resulted in “children” of many new disciples, changed lives, mighty works and miracles, etc.

    • If you want to know that something is wise, look at the outcome it produces. God's wisdom always has helpful results!

 

Verses 20-24

  • The generation that saw and rejected Jesus is worse that even the perverse cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.

    • Even today, those who reject Jesus deserve worse punishment than anyone in the Old Testament!

      • Understand this, and let it bring you a fear of disobedience to the Word(Hebrews 2:1-4, 10:28-31).

 

Verses 25-27

  • God reveals Jesus to those who are humble enough to receive Him (1 Corinthians 1:19).

    • Remember that God reveals Christ to a person. You can't make anyone understand and accept the gospel. God has to reveal it to them (John 6:44). This is one reason why Jesus was publicly so elusive about His exact identity. Who Christ truly is must be revealed by the Father!

 

Verses 28-29

  • Finding rest in Jesus means learning from His actions and teachings, and following them. Obedience to Christ brings rest and ease to a burdened mind. 

    • Learn from Jesus and do what He says, and you will have greater rest!