And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended ( Matthew 5:29 , note) in me ; shall find none occasion of stumbling in me (Revised Version). But exhibits perfect trust under delay and disappointment ( James 1:12 ). read more
And blessed is he ... - The word “offence” means a “stumbling-block.” See the notes at Matthew 5:29. This verse might be rendered, “Happy is he to whom I shall not prove a stumbling-block.” That is, happy is he who shall not take offence at my poverty and lowliness of life, so as to reject me and my doctrine. Happy is the one who can, notwithstanding that poverty and obscurity, see the evidence that I am the Messiah, and follow me. It is not improbable that John wished Jesus publicly to... read more
Matthew 11:2-6. Now when John had heard in the prison (into which he had been cast by Herod Antipas, a little after he began his public ministry, chap. Matthew 4:12, and Matthew 14:3, &c.) of the works of Christ That is, of some of his many miracles, &c. He sent two of his disciples Not, as is probable, because he doubted himself, but to confirm their faith. And said, Art thou he that should come Namely, the Messiah? Or look we for another Under that character? “Considering... read more
49. Messengers from John the Baptist (Matthew 11:1-19; Luke 7:18-35)Shut up in prison, John the Baptist received only irregular and possibly inaccurate reports of Jesus’ ministry. These reports must have caused him to wonder whether Jesus really was the Messiah he foretold. Jesus sent back the message that he was carrying out a ministry of relief to the oppressed, which was the sort of ministry foretold of the Messiah in the Old Testament (Matthew 11:1-5; cf. Isaiah 35:5-6; Isaiah 61:1). Many... read more
blessed = happy. See note on Matthew 5:3 . not be offended = find nothing to stumble at. Me: i.e. in My Person, My teachings, My grace, &c.; as many did. Compare Luke 4:22 with Luke 4:28 . read more
And blessed is he, whosoever shall find no occasion of stumbling in me.This earnest plea from Jesus' very heart and soul is a moving and powerful request that John would not take offense at our Lord's inability openly to declare himself at that time, nor at differences such as marked their attitudes toward fasting. The absence of any further inquiries from John shows that John understood. read more
Matthew 11:6. Blessed is he whosoever, &c.— See the note on chap. Matthew 5:29. It was foretold of the Messiah, that the world should be offended at him, Isaiah 8:14; Isaiah 53:1-3. Thisisintimatedinthepresentwords;whereinourSaviourhints,thatnotwithstanding the great works which he did among them, which testified of him that he came from God; notwithstanding the predictions of the prophets concerning the Messiah were so clearly and punctually accomplished in him; notwithstanding all this,... read more
The confusion of the King’s forerunner 11:2-6 (cf. Luke 7:18-23)Even John the Baptist had doubts about whether Jesus was really the promised Messiah."Matthew includes the record of this interrogation for at least two reasons. First, the questioning of Jesus by John, a representative of the best in Israel, points up the misconception of Israel as to the program of the Messiah and His method. He had heard of the works of Jesus (Matthew 11:2), and they certainly appeared to be Messianic. However,... read more
1. Questions from the King’s forerunner 11:2-19This sections illustrates how deeply seated Israel’s disenchantment with Jesus was. read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 11:2-35
The forearming against a foreseen unbelief. Note in introduction that St. Luke's placing of this narrative is the preferable one. it was during the period of absence of the twelve, after they had been "commanded," that John was beheaded. The entire current of tiffs chapter, that seems so exceptional in its character in some respects, is blown upon and troubled, as it were, by that presence, an ever-disturbing one, the phenomenal one, of unbelief. Notice— I. A PROPHET 'S FORESEEING ... read more