Matthew 11BSB

In This Chapter 7 people 7 places 69 terms

People

Places

Key Terms

John’s Inquiry

(Luke 7:18–23)

1After Jesus had finished instructing His twelve disciples, He went on from there to teach and preach in their cities.

This section starts with John the Baptist’s doubt....

This section starts with John the Baptist’s doubt. It ends by honoring his faith and his work (Matthew 11:7–19). The people's rejection of John (11:16–19) hints at their future rejection of Jesus.

This section focuses on two main reactions to...

This section focuses on two main reactions to Jesus: acceptance and rejection. The first part (Matthew 11:2–12:50) shows Jewish leaders rejecting Jesus, while his disciples are learning to understand and accept him.

2Meanwhile John heard in prison about the works of Christ, and he sent his disciples 3to ask Him, “Are You the One who was to come, or should we look for someone else?”

4Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: 5The blind receive sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. 6Blessed is the one who does not fall away on account of Me.”

Jesus Testifies about John

(Malachi 3:1–5; Luke 7:24–35)

7As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swaying in the wind? 8Otherwise, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? Look, those who wear fine clothing are found in kings’ palaces. 9What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10This is the one about whom it is written:

‘Behold, I will send My messenger ahead of You,who will prepare Your way before You.’

11Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has risen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet even the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subject to violence, and the violent lay claim to it. 13For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John.

He is the Elijah who was to come:...

He is the Elijah who was to come: John fulfills the Old Testament prophecy about the prophet Elijah's return (Matthew 17:10–13; see Malachi 4:5).

14And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come.

15He who has ears, let him hear.

John’s message was like funeral songs. He lived...

John’s message was like funeral songs. He lived with strict self-denial, fasting often and not drinking wine (Matthew 11:18; see 3:4). The message of Jesus is more like wedding songs, with feasting and drinking (see 9:9–17). In both cases, the people of this time respond to God's messenger with indifference and rejection.

16To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others:

17We played the flute for you,and you did not dance;we sang a dirge,and you did not mourn.’
Here Jesus describes how both John and he...

Here Jesus describes how both John and he himself offended the people of that generation.

John lived in the wilderness, eating locusts and honey (Matthew 3:1, 4). People accused him of having a demon.

Jesus, by contrast, ate and drank freely with others. People accused him of being like a rebellious son (see Deuteronomy 21:18–21).

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 this glutton and drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ But wisdom is vindicated by her actions.”

Woe to the Unrepentant

(Luke 10:13–16)

The miracles Jesus performed showed he was the...

The miracles Jesus performed showed he was the Messiah (Matthew 11:5–6). These miracles demanded people to repent (11:20). Those who rejected the Messiah faced great judgment, because Jesus had clearly shown who he is.

20Then Jesus began to denounce the cities in which most of His miracles had been performed, because they did not repent.

As Jesus traveled through the villages of Galilee...

As Jesus traveled through the villages of Galilee (Korazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum) he revealed more of himself to the people. Because of this greater revelation, their refusal to listen brought a more severe judgment. Jesus compared their judgment to that of the pagan cities Tyre (Isaiah 23; Ezekiel 26:1–28:19), Sidon (Ezekiel 28:20–23), and Sodom (Genesis 18:22–19:29).

21Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 22But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you.

23And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to heaven? No, you will be brought down to Hades! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. 24But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.”

Rest for the Weary

(Luke 10:21–24)

This passage is about the small group of...

This passage is about the small group of people who accept the Messiah and follow his teachings, even though most of their generation does not.

25At that time Jesus declared, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. 26Yes, Father, for this was well-pleasing in Your sight.

27All things have been entrusted to Me by My Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him.

28Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

A yoke, which connects two animals, symbolizes the...

A yoke, which connects two animals, symbolizes the demands of being a disciple of Jesus. Unlike the "yoke" of religious leaders, the yoke of Jesus is easy and light. This is not because it demands less of a person (see 7:13–14). But it is because the Messiah's power through the Holy Spirit makes it possible (see Acts 15:10; 1 John 5:3).

Israel's spiritual leaders imposed religious demands (see Matthew 23:4; Acts 15:10). This included 613 Old Testament commands and added traditions. Jesus urged those burdened by the Pharisees' rules to come to him (see Matthew 11:28) to find the salvation for which they deeply longed. This call to salvation involves living obediently to the new teachings of Jesus. Jesus invites people to build a relationship with a humble and gentle teacher.

29Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”