Matthew 11:2-10
2100 years ago a time of great anticipation for Jewish people – they had read OT prophecy, thought they knew what to expect. Had read about Daniel’s visions, angel’s explanations. Knew how to count down the years. Were unclear on many details but… knew prophets promised something big. one who would come and deliver they hoped from their oppressors. Pretty sure (but wrongly) it meant deliverance from Romans, didn’t have much of clue about Deliverer’s identity.
They knew the Coming One, the Messiah was one promised by God. Did not have physical description but were told many things about his work, kinds of things he would do. They recognized things about Messiah in Psalms, Major / Minor Prophets. We don’t know if they went as far back as Moses’ writing, especially very first Gospel declared by God himself to Adam and Eve in Garden of Eden – Gen. 3:15 “And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel.” With our expanded understanding from NT, we know Seed of the woman none other than Jesus.
Those nearest events of first century didn’t have as clear a view, had many questions. Even though we have more information, don’t always see everything we should. Refer to Genesis promise as protoEvangelion, first Gospel. Same concept appears over and over even when different words used to communicate. Good tidings, good news, evangel all mean same as gospel. Angel brought gospel to shepherds, good tidings of great joy. So what good news the shepherds heard: “unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior who is the Messiah, the Lord.” John’s disciples didn’t hear the angel’s message first hand, even if many Jews have heard the report, majority of them still looking for Messiah.
A. a curious question v.2-3
didn’t John know the answer Mat 3:11-12; Luk 3:16
twice John told his hearers: “behold the Lamb of God”, making clear he meant his cousin Jesus – added line second time this Lamb “takes away the sin of the world”
had strong message of repentance to preach, was accompanied by baptism, something Jesus “demanded” of John
also deflected attention from himself to one who would come after him who was greater and had greater ministry to perform – sure seems like he knew answer to his question
why tell them to ask
John did his best to direct attention to Jesus, still had many followers – he certainly did know Jesus indeed the Coming One
he sent them to Jesus with instruction to ask Jesus specific question: “are you the Messiah / the Christ” or do we keep looking
wanted to hear for themselves what Jesus would answer – perhaps would take Jesus’ word for it since had not believed John
what did he want to happen
yes, was good news about a forerunner, one who would prepare way for Messiah, foretold to John’s father Zechariah
far better good news the one who would come after – had greater ministry to carry out… John told the news, Jesus did it
John wanted Jesus to have all the attention, be the one everyone followed and trusted – content with own lesser role
B. a straight answer v.4-6
Messiah was announced Luk 2:11
so shepherds were not considered reliable witnesses, not expected to be among religiously well-informed and connected
was to them God sent his own top-drawer envoy with specific message: “I bring you news”, targeted to particular people
news of new baby identified as Messiah. the Lord who would save his people from their sins – angels’ messages: Jesus = Savior Messiah
Messiah would do these things
foretold as one under whose ministry eyes of blind be opened, ears of deaf unstopped, good tidings preached to poor (Isa. 35.5; 61.3)
Messiah would perform works of healing no other single individual had done – would all rolled up into one divine Healer
connect the dots
Jesus began his answer with: “Go tell John what you see and hear” – take notes, observe carefully, process what you see
now put what you see w/what you have heard from Bible and from John – finish drawing the picture, who am I
now do you get it, why John told you to ask the question – was for your benefit not his so you would understand
C. more questions v.7-9a
what were you looking for
Jesus asked what expectations they had about the prophet: did they think they would find someone timid, unstable, sissy
if so, definitely had wrong ideas, not even close to kind of man God would send for that kind of confronting ministry
likely weren’t seeking for someone who would challenge personal status quo, make cultural waves for them to deal with
what did you find
an old-fashioned style prophet willing to rock the boat and risk his life – call people to repentance, call sin what it is even if involved confronting immoral king from immoral family about lifestyle choices
knew the risk, took it anyway, paid with his life – didn’t tone down truth, rather declared it plainly, publicly and courageously
found one who was really second in importance – not the most important one but the one to introduce important one
what did he say
Go see Jesus, go ask Jesus, (iow) is John right – is Jesus who John said he is? more important, is Jesus who Jesus said he is
both questions as important / valid today as in John’s day – source of credible information no different either, start w/Gospels
D. clear confirmation v.9b-10
John last of OT prophets
“Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet Before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.” Mal. 4:5
angel visited Zachariah: “He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah”, identity as prophet confirmed by Jesus
John fulfillment of prophecy
no indication anywhere in NT John not answer to God’s promise of a prophet – can believe same about Jesus’ testimony
Jesus could not be mistaken, would never have spoken what he knew was not true – his commendation of John well-deserved
if John was, then Jesus was
OT declared death penalty for false prophet who claimed to speak for God – John not seriously thought to be false
what he declared about Jesus must then be accurate / true – Jesus must be Savior of world, promised Coming One
Announcement referred to person, not simply what he would accomplish. Question the same, should we look for another person. Our efforts to carry Gospel to world must have person as the focus. Our message important, is why God put in his Book. shouldn’t forget our goal not to persuade someone to believe our argument. Must do as John, send them to Jesus and persuade them to believe him. We proclaim Gospel truth clearly and fearlessly, introduce to Jesus, the Savior, trust God for the rest.
Reformanda 