Matthew 11 - John the Baptist is Put in Prison
Jesus talks about John the Baptist and travels city to city with His deciples proclaiming His message of the Kingdom of God. Jesus begins to come down on the people because they still did not repent and turn to God.
1And 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. Jesus continued on His mission city to city (with His disciples), to proclaim His message of the Kingdom of God. (Luke 8:1).
2Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, Two disciples that studied under John the Baptist were sent to Jesus with a message from John.
3And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another? John was a student of the Word. (He knew of the promised Messiah to come). John was one of the last great prophets before Christ. But, John was in prison now and going through a difficult time. He wanted to know for sure if this was the first of two advents (the coming of the Messiah), spoken of in (Zechariah 9:9). John did not lack faith as many may tell you, he just wanted to make sure He was in prison for the right reasons. (The bringing forth of the true Messiah).
4Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: Go back and tell John what you have heard and seen. (Jesus knew this would comfort John and ease his mind about who He really was, the true Messiah).
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. All these things that were accomplished so far by Jesus were told to John the Baptist. All these things were written before in the old testament and John was familiar with them. (Isaiah 29:18, 35:4-6, 61:1-3).
6And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me. The main message for John was, blessed are those who do not doubt Him. (Never give up believing in Jesus Christ). This was all John needed to hear to be comforted. The same message goes for all those who accept His Word.
7And 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? Did you think that John was some kind of wimp preacher that sways like a blade of grass. Always teaching some kind of new tradition or belief that gives you no foundation of truth. John the Baptist was not a soft spoken man, but rather bold and to the point, teaching only the "truth of the Word."
8But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. Were you expecting to see a man dressed in fancy expensive clothes, living in a lavish house. The clothing does not make the teacher or prophet. Just because they hide behind a collar, colorful robe, or fancy suit, does not make them a teacher of God's Word. (God looks for the common man to bring forth His word). John the Baptist and most of the other apostles were common folk making a modest living. (They didn't have the hang-ups of money and lavish living).
9But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. John the Baptist was more than a prophet. He came in the Spirit of Elijah (Elias), who was the prophet of prophets. (Luke 1:15-17, 1:76).
10For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. John prepared the way for the first Advent. (Malachi 3:1). He was the one mentioned in Scriptures to precede Christ (Malachi 4:5), to announce His coming, and prepare the people to receive Him. (Mark 1:2, Luke 7:26-27, John 1:23).
11Verily 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. John the Baptist was considered one of the greatest men on earth. (Luke 1:15). For boldly teaching truth! However, in the kingdom of God (Heaven), the least will be considered better than the best here on earth. (Luke 9:48).
12And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. From the day John the Baptist began preaching "prepare the way of the Lord." The Kingdom has been forcefully advancing. Why? Because violent people (influenced by Satan), are always attacking it. Even today Satan is up there talking against us every time we mess up. That is why we need the gospel armor. (Ephesians 6:11-13). Their are many working with Satan who forcefully try to set up their kingdom here on earth. They can try, "but it won't happen for long."
13For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. All the laws and prophets looked forward to the Messiah, then John showed up. (John was the last real prophet before Christ came).
14And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come. Here is that word "if" again. (Something conditional). John was not "Elijah," John was only in the Spirit of Elijah. "His spirit and power." (Luke 1:17, Malachi 4:5). Did they receive John the Baptist, No! Would they receive Christ, Of course not!
15He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. If ever you were willing to listen, listen now. Do you hear?
16But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows, These people are like children, who say to their little friends, come on over and lets play. (Luke 7:31-35). Sounds like our candidates for the presidential election. (Our leaders today are like little children without a clue).
17And saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented. We called to you and wanted to have a good time and you would not come.
18For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil. John doesn't even drink wine and often goes without food (fasting), and you say, "He's crazy and has a devil in him." Here was a man that was filled with the "Holy Spirit" even before his birth (Luke 1:15), and they accuse him of being possessed by demons.
19The 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. On the other hand, I the Son of Man come and feast and drink, and you complain that I am a glutton and a drinking man who hangs with sinners. "But I am sure you can always justify your inconsistencies." (Luke 7:35). i.e. You will never be able to please everyone, especially when they all act like little children.
20Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not: This word "upbraid" means reproach, or come down on them. They seen the many things that Christ had done right in front of them and they still did not repent and turn to God. He had the right to come down on them. Its going on today, "this country as well as all others need to come to repentance because of their falling away from God." Will we be like the church in Thyatira refusing to repent? And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass. (Revelation 2:18). I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first. (Revelation 2:19). Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. (Revelation 2:20). And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. (Revelation 2:21). All the nations need to repent and get back to the "Living God," or there will be hell to pay!
21Woe 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. If the miracles Christ did for these people were done in Tyre and Sidon, their people would have repented long ago. Here we have "Bethsaida" (house of the fish), which is the sign of Christianity itself, and they will not repent.
22But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you. They seen the miracles and they still rejected Christ. THEY ARE IN REAL TROUBLE! We have the written word of truth "the bible." You can read it, study it, believe in it; but if you do not repent, accept Jesus Christ (the Living Word), you are still in trouble! (Matthew 12:36, 2 Peter 2:9, 3:7).
23And 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. If these miracles were done in Sodom, they would have not been destroyed. This is why we are having so many problems today, because society is driving God out.
24But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee. They will have something to answer for and it won't be good. "The choice is yours." Do you follow the ways of the world; or are you going to follow the ways of God?
25At 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. Christ thanked the Heavenly Father for hiding the truth from those who thought that they were so wise (the Pharisees and Sadducees), and revealed it to His disciples and the common man. "Those who followed him like little children." (Mark 10:15, 18:3-4).
26Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight. That's the way God wanted it. (Ephesians 1:9, 3:11, 2 Timothy 1:9).
27All 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. Listen well... It all comes from the Father. You can only know the Father when He reveals Himself to you. When God blesses you spiritually, then you will understand the truth.
28Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. All that labor and hard work under a heavy yoke. Those who do the work of the Lord as true Christians, He will give you rest. "Christ will be their rest." (Matthew 11:28).
29Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. Learn about Him... "Study the Word." Let Christ teach you and you will find rest. We are saved by grace yes. But we need to move past that to receive all the blessings He has to offer. A Yoke makes it easy and takes away the burden or hurt. (Matthew 11:29). Christ is meek (gentle), lowly in heart (coming down to you), rest to your soul (yourself), which gives you peace of mind. (Philippians 4:7).
30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. You can do it... His burdens are light and Christ will strengthen you. (Philippians 4:13). There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. (1 Corinthians 10:13). You will never be tempted, or given a burden that you can't handle in life, "if you are a believer."
Keep the faith,
Barton
