Matthew 11 - Introduction

Jesus, The Source Of Spiritual Rest

Matthew Eleven

The Lord Jesus gave commandments and a commission to the apostles. (Matthew 10) Now by example, preaching, teaching and work He showed them how to do their work. "Now it came to pass, when Jesus finished commanding His twelve disciples that He departed from there to teach and to preach in their cities." (Matthew 11:1)

At this time John the Baptist was in prison. His only crime was preaching the truth. He must have been terribly discouraged. He sent some from prison to Jesus to ask, "Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?" Jesus' answer was very unique. He told them to tell John that, "The 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. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me." (Matthew 11:2-6)

Jesus described the sterling character of John the Baptist. He said that there had not been born anyone greater than he, yet He said, "he that is least in the kingdom is greater than John." Jesus pronounced very severe woes upon Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum. He said that wisdom had been hidden from the wise, but given unto babes. Matthew eleven closes with a sweet and most beautiful invitation from Jesus to come to Him for rest!