Matthew 11

Chapter 11 of Matthew is a bit of a mixed bag. We have Jesus preaching on His own, after sending out the twelve, and some interesting things come up. John the Baptizer, imprisoned at this point, sent some of his followers to make sure Jesus really is the One who they had been waiting for. Jesus didn't answer directly, but made it very clear by His response: the miracles He was doing and His preaching of good news (gospel) was evidence enough of His identity.

Jesus follows that up with a bit of info about John, quoting from a prophecy in Malachi 3:1 which foretold of a messenger to precede the Messiah and prepare the way for him. One very insightful thing from the end of this section is when Jesus points out that those who do not want to see the truth in that generation refused to listen to either John or Jesus, for exactly the opposite reasons.

Following this, Jesus talks about how the cities He ministered in which did not repent will have a harder judgement than pagan cities who never had the chance to see such miracles, signs, and wonders. This is a sobering reminder for those who have the opportunity to hear the truth about Jesus and choose not to act on it!

Finally, the chapter wraps up with Jesus further identifying God as His Father - more proof of who Jesus claimed to be - and inviting those who heard his preaching to come and follow him. May we all hearken to that in our time, and submit to Him.