Matthew 11:7-15 ~ what did you go out to see?

Matthew 11:7-15

English Standard Version, David Cochran Audio Bible


7 As they [John's disciples who had not already followed Jesus and were asking for John, from prison, for confirmation Jesus is the Messiah] went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 8 What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. 9 What then did you go out to see [Some manuscripts Why then did you go out? To see a prophet?] ? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10 This is he of whom it is written,

"'Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.' [Malachi 3:1]

11 Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. 13 For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John, 14 and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come. 15 He who has ears to hear, let him hear."


Jesus is speaking to human expectations. And because of this, Jesus is expressing several layers of expectation.

When we plan a journey, we have a reason for the journey. Jesus is speaking about life in being a spiritual journey. Sometimes we are growing, sometimes we are falling back. Why the falling back?

Why have the people turned out to see Jesus as they did John? Some came to John because the tide was moving in favor of running out to the wilderness to repent. In doing what the crowd was doing, real repentance and real spiritual growth took place. Some came to John because they went away from their daily lives seeking to be more intimately joined with Father God.

People, Jesus was known to say, came to Jesus to be fed. Fed physically. Fed in healing. Fed in site seeing. People came to experience Jesus because of the rewards.

John the Baptist has stood in the prophecies of the Old Testament as Elijah - telling and crying out to make the way straight for the coming Messiah. Jesus has skipped telling the crowd about the Transfiguration, written of by Peter and alluded to by John (beloved disciple, Gospel writer), about the physical arrival of Elijah, himself....

Jesus is saying that expectations can be limiting. Jesus is saying we shouldn't 100% feel repressed by being limited. He is so understanding of the physical and, therefore, the mental limitations Are Part of Life.

We all hope to go forward, to get ahead. That isn't bad in and of itself. God plans for us to go forward. A tree grows slowly and then sometimes quickly, but then spends time filling out.

John the Baptist is being proclaimed he is the 'greatest'. People are interested in greatest - people are interested in Jesus Christ proclaiming greatest. Jesus is using the moment of weakness of John being afraid in jail to say - John's doubts limit him. He is limited on earth. In Heaven, there is no doubt. Having doubt limits us. Jesus isn't putting John down, Jesus is talking about the difference of Heaven and of earth. Jesus is telling us, He has compassion on John and the place he is in. Spiritually.

John the Baptist, with his fear of prison and death, is being held by His Savior as an example of God's compassion. Jesus also realized John is still sending men to Him. The disciples of John will have heard Jesus. John is still doing the work of the Lord as well. John is also asking Jesus to proclaim publicly that He is the Messiah. John probably hoped for Jesus to rise up immediately. Not to be saved, physically, John knows (it is written) Jesus' ministry surpasses his own. John was prepared for what was coming, but as a confirmation of John's efforts for God. God works in God's ways. His unseen ways are better than our best day.

Jesus saw people were grasping, annoying, demanding and needy. Yet He did not shake them away. Jesus was wise and gracious in His explanations. Kindly spoken. Sweet. Gentle. The truth of Jesus is spoken with mercy. In Jesus' love and mercy - the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. And blessed is the one who is not offended by Jesus.

Jesus is saying the fruit of His ministry is righteousness, love and comfort. To grow in Him. To lean to Jesus for understanding like a tree to the light.

Jesus is telling us, in the best aspects of life, the aspects of love and higher road - there will be trouble. Jesus tells us to have good expectations. To Love Him, trust Him and put our faith in Him.


Jesus is for You. God is Love.



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