Chronological Bible Study – Oct 12
What I Noticed Today (Matthew 11)
Matthew 11
In verse 1, Jesus had finished instructing the disciples and left them to teach and preach in their cities.
In verses 2-6, John the Baptist sends a messenger to Jesus from his prison cell, asking if Jesus is the One. Jesus tells the messenger to tell John about what they themselves had seen and heard (the blind receive sight, the lame walk, the dead brought back to life, and the Gospel preached). These miracles were evidence that Jesus was indeed the Messiah (Isaiah 35:5-6, Isaiah 61:1).
In verses 7-15, Jesus taught the crowd about John the Baptist. John, said Jesus, was a true prophet, Jesus’ own messenger as prophesied in Malachi 3:1 and Isaiah 40:3. Although John was the greatest man on earth, the least man in heaven will be greater.
The kingdom of heaven had suffered violence due to religious leaders who had rejected John’s claims about the Messiah and persecuted believers.
In verses 16-19, Jesus compared the current generation to children in the marketplace complaining that they played the flute, and no one danced, and they played a dirge, and no one mourned. They claimed John was a demon because he didn’t eat or drink, and claimed the Son of Man was a glutton and drunkard because he ate and drank. Wisdom eluded them, or they would have accepted John’s message about Jesus.
In verses 20-24, Jesus began to denounce cities (Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum) where He had done His greatest works, yet they did not repent and believe. It will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the day of judgment than for these cities because they had seen Jesus’ miracles and still rejected Him.
In verses 25-30, Jesus prayed a prayer of thanksgiving to the Father for all those who would hear His message and turn to Him. Jesus called all who were weary and heavy-laden to come to Him. His burden was light, and they would find rest. His yoke is easy, and His burden is light.
Note: Animals (commonly oxen) were frequently yoked together to plow a field. Jesus is saying His yoke is easy, and His burden light in contrast to the yoke of the Jewish leaders, which imposed a heavy burden on the people.
What did you notice in your study today? Feel free to visit the website and leave a question or a comment.