Matthew 11: Finding Rest in the Kingdom
And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities.
Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples,
And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?
Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see:
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.
And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind?
But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses.
But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet.
For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.
Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.
For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.
And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come.
He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows,
And saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented.
For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil.
The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.
Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not:
Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.
But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you.
And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.
But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee.
At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.
Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight.
All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Matthew 11 offers a powerful glimpse into the heart of Jesus' ministry and message. Following the commissioning of the twelve apostles (Matthew 10), Jesus continues His work of teaching and preaching throughout Galilee (Matthew 11:1). This chapter addresses questions of identity and expectation, confronts rejection, and ultimately extends an invitation to weary souls to find rest in Him. It's a chapter filled with both challenge and profound comfort, relevant for believers today.
John's Question and Jesus' Response (Matthew 11:1-6)
John the Baptist, now imprisoned (Matthew 4:12, Matthew 11:2), sends his disciples to Jesus with a pointed question: "Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?" (Matthew 11:3). This isn't necessarily a sign of doubt from John, but perhaps a question born out of his expectations of the Messiah. John likely anticipated a more immediate and forceful judgment upon the unrepentant (Matthew 3:12). As Tony Evans points out, John's imprisonment may have fueled his confusion, wondering when Jesus would separate the "wheat" from the "chaff."
Jesus doesn't offer a direct "yes" or "no." Instead, He instructs John's disciples to report what they have witnessed: "Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor" (Matthew 11:4-5). Jesus directs them to the fulfillment of Isaiah's Messianic prophecies (Isaiah 61:1), providing tangible evidence of His identity and mission. This approach reassures John that even if God's timing differs from our expectations, He remains faithful to His promises. Jesus subtly reminds John and us that the Messiah's work includes both grace and future judgment.
Jesus' Testimony to John (Matthew 11:7-15)
After John's disciples depart, Jesus turns to the crowd and delivers a powerful testimony about John the Baptist. He emphasizes John's strength and unwavering commitment to his ministry. "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind?" (Matthew 11:7). John was not easily swayed; he was a man of conviction who boldly called people to repentance (Matthew 3:1-12).
Jesus declares that John is more than a prophet; he is the messenger prophesied by Malachi (Malachi 3:1) who would prepare the way for the Messiah (Matthew 11:10). He even proclaims John to be the greatest man born of women up to that point (Matthew 11:11). However, Jesus adds a surprising statement: "Yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he" (Matthew 11:11). This signifies that those who experience the fullness of God's grace and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in the new covenant have a deeper understanding and relationship with God than even the greatest figures of the old covenant.
Jesus also connects John to the prophecy of Elijah's return (Matthew 11:14; Malachi 4:5-6), suggesting that John fulfilled this prophecy in spirit and power. John was a "signpost pointing the way" (John 1:19-23), urging sinners to repent and prepare for the coming of the King.
The Unresponsiveness of the Generation (Matthew 11:16-19)
Jesus laments the stubbornness and unresponsiveness of His generation. He compares them to children who are never satisfied, no matter what is offered. "We played the pipe for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn" (Matthew 11:17).
John the Baptist, with his ascetic lifestyle, was accused of being demon-possessed (Matthew 11:18). Jesus, who ate and drank with people, was labeled a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners (Matthew 11:19). The people found fault with both approaches, revealing their unwillingness to truly listen and repent. As Tony Evans notes, "There's just no pleasing some people."
However, Jesus declares, "wisdom is proved right by her deeds" (Matthew 11:19). The truth will ultimately be revealed by its results. Those who reject God's messengers demonstrate their lack of true wisdom.
Woe to the Unrepentant Cities (Matthew 11:20-24)
Jesus pronounces judgment on the cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum, where He performed many of His miracles (Matthew 11:20). Because these cities witnessed His mighty works and still refused to repent, they would face a more severe judgment than even the notoriously wicked cities of Tyre, Sidon, and Sodom (Matthew 11:21-24).
This passage highlights the principle that greater knowledge and opportunity bring greater responsibility. Those who have been given much will be held accountable for much (Luke 12:48). These Galilean cities had heard the word and seen the power of the King of kings, making their rejection all the more grievous.
Jesus' Invitation to Rest (Matthew 11:25-30)
In a beautiful transition, Jesus offers a message of hope and rest. He begins by thanking His Father for revealing truth to the humble and receptive, rather than to the arrogant and self-proclaimed "wise" (Matthew 11:25). "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children" (Matthew 11:25). This isn't a condemnation of education, but a recognition that spiritual understanding comes through humility and a willingness to receive God's grace.
Jesus declares that He and the Father have a unique and intimate relationship (Matthew 11:27). He alone can reveal the Father to those He chooses. This sets the stage for His powerful invitation: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28).
This invitation is extended to all who are weighed down by the burdens of life, especially the heavy demands and legalistic interpretations of the religious leaders. Jesus offers a different path: "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:29-30).
The "yoke" represents discipleship – a commitment to follow Jesus and learn from Him. It's not a life free of challenges, but a life lived in partnership with Christ, where He shares the burden and provides strength and guidance. As Tony Evans explains, "God can put wheels on your burdens so that you can deal with them more easily." The rest that Jesus offers is not merely the cessation of activity, but a deep peace and contentment that comes from trusting in His love and provision. It is the rest of salvation and the rest of daily dependence on Him.
And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities.
Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples,
And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?
Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see:
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.
And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind?
But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses.
But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet.
For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.
Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.
For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.
And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come.
He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows,
And saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented.
For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil.
The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.
Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not:
Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.
But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you.
And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.
But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee.
At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.
Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight.
All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Matthew 11 offers a powerful glimpse into the heart of Jesus' ministry and message. Following the commissioning of the twelve apostles (Matthew 10), Jesus continues His work of teaching and preaching throughout Galilee (Matthew 11:1). This chapter addresses questions of identity and expectation, confronts rejection, and ultimately extends an invitation to weary souls to find rest in Him. It's a chapter filled with both challenge and profound comfort, relevant for believers today.
John's Question and Jesus' Response (Matthew 11:1-6)
John the Baptist, now imprisoned (Matthew 4:12, Matthew 11:2), sends his disciples to Jesus with a pointed question: "Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?" (Matthew 11:3). This isn't necessarily a sign of doubt from John, but perhaps a question born out of his expectations of the Messiah. John likely anticipated a more immediate and forceful judgment upon the unrepentant (Matthew 3:12). As Tony Evans points out, John's imprisonment may have fueled his confusion, wondering when Jesus would separate the "wheat" from the "chaff."
Jesus doesn't offer a direct "yes" or "no." Instead, He instructs John's disciples to report what they have witnessed: "Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor" (Matthew 11:4-5). Jesus directs them to the fulfillment of Isaiah's Messianic prophecies (Isaiah 61:1), providing tangible evidence of His identity and mission. This approach reassures John that even if God's timing differs from our expectations, He remains faithful to His promises. Jesus subtly reminds John and us that the Messiah's work includes both grace and future judgment.
Jesus' Testimony to John (Matthew 11:7-15)
After John's disciples depart, Jesus turns to the crowd and delivers a powerful testimony about John the Baptist. He emphasizes John's strength and unwavering commitment to his ministry. "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind?" (Matthew 11:7). John was not easily swayed; he was a man of conviction who boldly called people to repentance (Matthew 3:1-12).
Jesus declares that John is more than a prophet; he is the messenger prophesied by Malachi (Malachi 3:1) who would prepare the way for the Messiah (Matthew 11:10). He even proclaims John to be the greatest man born of women up to that point (Matthew 11:11). However, Jesus adds a surprising statement: "Yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he" (Matthew 11:11). This signifies that those who experience the fullness of God's grace and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in the new covenant have a deeper understanding and relationship with God than even the greatest figures of the old covenant.
Jesus also connects John to the prophecy of Elijah's return (Matthew 11:14; Malachi 4:5-6), suggesting that John fulfilled this prophecy in spirit and power. John was a "signpost pointing the way" (John 1:19-23), urging sinners to repent and prepare for the coming of the King.
The Unresponsiveness of the Generation (Matthew 11:16-19)
Jesus laments the stubbornness and unresponsiveness of His generation. He compares them to children who are never satisfied, no matter what is offered. "We played the pipe for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn" (Matthew 11:17).
John the Baptist, with his ascetic lifestyle, was accused of being demon-possessed (Matthew 11:18). Jesus, who ate and drank with people, was labeled a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners (Matthew 11:19). The people found fault with both approaches, revealing their unwillingness to truly listen and repent. As Tony Evans notes, "There's just no pleasing some people."
However, Jesus declares, "wisdom is proved right by her deeds" (Matthew 11:19). The truth will ultimately be revealed by its results. Those who reject God's messengers demonstrate their lack of true wisdom.
Woe to the Unrepentant Cities (Matthew 11:20-24)
Jesus pronounces judgment on the cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum, where He performed many of His miracles (Matthew 11:20). Because these cities witnessed His mighty works and still refused to repent, they would face a more severe judgment than even the notoriously wicked cities of Tyre, Sidon, and Sodom (Matthew 11:21-24).
This passage highlights the principle that greater knowledge and opportunity bring greater responsibility. Those who have been given much will be held accountable for much (Luke 12:48). These Galilean cities had heard the word and seen the power of the King of kings, making their rejection all the more grievous.
Jesus' Invitation to Rest (Matthew 11:25-30)
In a beautiful transition, Jesus offers a message of hope and rest. He begins by thanking His Father for revealing truth to the humble and receptive, rather than to the arrogant and self-proclaimed "wise" (Matthew 11:25). "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children" (Matthew 11:25). This isn't a condemnation of education, but a recognition that spiritual understanding comes through humility and a willingness to receive God's grace.
Jesus declares that He and the Father have a unique and intimate relationship (Matthew 11:27). He alone can reveal the Father to those He chooses. This sets the stage for His powerful invitation: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28).
This invitation is extended to all who are weighed down by the burdens of life, especially the heavy demands and legalistic interpretations of the religious leaders. Jesus offers a different path: "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:29-30).
The "yoke" represents discipleship – a commitment to follow Jesus and learn from Him. It's not a life free of challenges, but a life lived in partnership with Christ, where He shares the burden and provides strength and guidance. As Tony Evans explains, "God can put wheels on your burdens so that you can deal with them more easily." The rest that Jesus offers is not merely the cessation of activity, but a deep peace and contentment that comes from trusting in His love and provision. It is the rest of salvation and the rest of daily dependence on Him.