John the Baptist is Elijah

The prophets are extremely spiritual and in one sense close to God. They often do however struggle to accept God’s compassion and mercy upon the disobedient and slothful. Many pastors are aware of this problem the prophets have. Because of the pastors mother’s heart they tend to dislike the prophets and villainize the prophets, and even claim to be prophets themselves, in order to soften the severe blow the truth often brings.

Jesus rebukes John for John's inability to comprehend Jesus' merciful approach. In an unexpected set of statements Jesus however confirms that John is partially right and that the carnal (immature) and sensual Christians (miracles can be sensed – i.e. seen, heard felt) will actually fail in the end.

He who ears to hear, let him hear.

Matthew 11

1. Now it came to pass, when Jesus finished commanding His twelve disciples, that He departed from there to teach and to preach in their cities.

John is not happy

2. And when John had heard in prison about the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples3. and said to Him, “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?”

Jesus rebukes John's displeasure at Jesus merciful ministry

4. Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and tell John the things which you hear and see:5. “The blind see 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.6. “And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.”

Jesus then confirms John as the greatest prophet of the Old Testament

7. As they departed, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind?8. “But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Indeed, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses.9. “But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet.10. “For this is he of whom it is written:

‘Behold, I send My messenger before Your face,

Who will prepare Your way before You.’

11. “Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.12. “And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.13. “For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.14. “And if you are willing to receive it, he is Elijah who is to come.

He who has ears to hear, let him hear.

This statement implies carnal Christians will not understand John’s ministry.

15. “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!

Jesus rebuke his blind and stubborn generation

16. “But to what shall I liken this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their companions,17. “and saying:

‘We played the flute for you,

And you did not dance;

We mourned to you,

And you did not lament.’

18. “For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’19. “The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ But wisdom is justified by her children.”

Jesus rebukes the cities who received the miracles but did not repent

We never hear about them again seeing as God is done with them.

20. Then He began to rebuke the cities in which most of His mighty works had been done, because they did not repent:21. “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, 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.22. “But I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the day of judgment than for you.23. “And you, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, will be brought down to Hades; for if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.24. “But I say to you that it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment than for you.”

Jesus announces that the Kingdom is not comprehended by human intelligence

25. At that time Jesus answered and said, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes.26. “Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight.27. “All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.28. “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.29. “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.30. “For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Matthew 11

Conclusion

John the Baptist operates the spirit and ministry of Elijah and is the greatest prophet of the Old Testament.

Just like Elijah though he is disappointed with the Jews commitment to God.

God shows more mercy to the disobedient and clueless Israel than John would. Jesus does however confirm that John was the greatest prophet of the Old Testament and has prepared the way for Christ. Jesus then rebukes John by sending his disciples back with testimony of the mercy of God.

Jesus then reviles the cities He has had mercy on and laments that their judgement will be greater that Sodom and Gomorrah.

Finally, Jesus thanks the Father that the gospel is not comprehended by human intelligence or zeal. This explains why both obedient John, and disobedient clueless Israel all miss the point.

The future is Christ in the Spirit!

Amen Amen Amen!