Mat 11:2-19 | Family | STEP

Matthew 11:2-19

In prison; Lu 3:19,20. He that should come; the expected one--the Messiah. Though John had borne express testimony to Jesus, yet both he and his disciples may have been perplexed by erroneous ideas respecting the nature of His kingdom, and by their consequent failure to witness the fulfilment of their expectations concerning Him. Not be offended in me; not dissatisfied with my character, conduct, and claims; but shall receive me as the Saviour, the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world. Joh 1:29. Many were offended because Christ did not satisfy their carnal expectations concerning their long-promised Messiah. In these words the Saviour returned to John a virtual answer to his question, yet expressed in such a form that his enemies could take no advantage of it. A reed shaken; an inconstant, unstable person. Soft raiment; effeminate, delicate clothing.

King's houses; the place for such persons is in the palaces of the great, not in the wilderness. More than a prophet; more distinguised and honorable than any of the Old Testament prophets, because he was the forerunner of Christ, and stood in a nearer relation to him than any of them. Written; Mal 3:1; Isa 40:3; Mt 3:3. Greater; in dignity; more honorable in condition and employment.

Least, as a prophet or teacher under the gospel dispensation.

Is greater; his work would be one of higher dignity and privilege than John's, because he would stand in a still nearer relation to Christ and proclaim more fully the truths of his gospel. The work of a gospel minister is a most exalted employment; and he who faithfully performs it, is, in God's estimation, among the most honorable of the earth. From the days of John the Baptist; from the days of his public appearance, when the kingdom of heaven, which before that had been something future, first began to come as something present.

Violence--by force; men were strongly excited, and they pressed to hear and receive the gospel. Prophesied until John; they prophesied of the kingdom of heaven as yet to come till John, when its coming began. See above, note on verse Mt 11:12. Elias; the one who was foretold in the Old Testament under the name of Elijah, because he would resemble that prophet. Mal 4:5. He that hath ears; let every one who can, hear and understand this concerning John and the coming of the kingdom of heaven. Our Lord commonly employs these words of some doctrine or statement that requires study and thought to comprehend it. Children sitting in the markets; and imitating in their plays the transactions of life. Piped unto you; played a lively tune, as at a wedding-feast.

Mourned unto you; played a mournful tune, as at a funeral.

Lamented; imitated the lamentations at funerals that accompanied the playing of the minstrels, chap Mt 9:23. These children are wayward, and will do nothing to please their mates. Neither eating nor drinking; living very abstemiously. Though there is a great variety in the outward condition of ministers of the gospel, and in the mode of their communications with men, yet no condition and no manner of living or preaching will make the gospel universally acceptable, or lead any, without the grace of God, to embrace it. Eating and drinking; living as did other people.

They say, Behold a man gluttonous; they found fault with both, and rejected both, like fickle, capricious children, whom nothing could please.

Wisdom is justified of her children; right and wise ways, like those which John and the Saviour pursued, will be approved by the spiritually wise and good.