Matthew 11:4
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Matthew 11:4
4 Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see:
Chapter Context
Matthew 11 is a biographical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of obedience, righteousness, holiness. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-90 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christianity was separating from Judaism following Jerusalem's destruction.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-30: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Matthew and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Matthew 11:4
4 Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see:
Analysis
Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see. John the Baptist, imprisoned by Herod, sent disciples asking 'Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?' (Matthew 11:3). Jesus's response directs them to evidence: 'those things which ye do hear and see' (ἃ ἀκούετε καὶ βλέπετε/ha akouete kai blepete). Faith rests on objective facts, not subjective feelings.
Jesus then lists His works (verse 5): the blind see, lame walk, lepers cleansed, deaf hear, dead raised, poor hear gospel. These fulfill Isaiah's prophecies of the Messianic age (Isaiah 29:18-19, 35:5-6, 61:1). Jesus offers evidence, not merely assertion. 'Look at what I'm doing,' He says. 'Does this not confirm I am the promised One?'
This response shows Jesus's compassion for doubting believers. John, the forerunner who proclaimed Christ, now wavers in prison's darkness. Jesus doesn't condemn but provides evidence to strengthen faith. He later commends John as the greatest prophet (Matthew 11:11), showing that even great saints may experience doubt when circumstances press hard.
Historical Context
John's imprisonment by Herod Antipas (for condemning Herod's unlawful marriage to Herodias) lasted months before his execution (Matthew 14:3-12). In that dark cell, John questioned whether Jesus was fulfilling Messianic expectations. Where was the judgment John had preached (Matthew 3:10-12)? Why was the kingdom not manifesting in power? Jesus's answer reminded John that Messianic work was unfolding according to Scripture, though not according to human expectations.
Reflection
- How does Jesus pointing to observable evidence encourage us to ground our faith in objective truth rather than subjective feelings?
- What does Jesus's patient response to John's doubt teach us about how God deals with His people when circumstances shake their confidence?
- How can we, like Jesus, point doubters to evidence of God's work rather than merely asserting truth or condemning their questions?