11:1 If you are ever in a leadership position, in the home, in the work-field or anywhere else, you will find wise instruction in this verse. Jesus taught His disciples and sent them around the world to continue to spread the message but Jesus Himself remained a responsible, hard-working teacher. He did not pass off His duties to others. Jesus maintains that there is work to be done and so He does it; He continues not to waste anytime.
It is a rewarding example for a leader's followers to see their teacher or authority remaining productive and kind. Laziness is poor leadership, you must always remain a tireless advocate for your cause and it will inspire others around you to be energetic and motivated as well.
11:2-3 We learn in this verse that John the Baptist has been imprisoned. We have already learned of John's humble and strong faith in God so we can infer that John is surviving quite well despite his imprisonment. Remember verse 10:22 of this book of Matthew. Being a spokesperson and believer of God will enter you as a soldier in His war against evil. Jesus reminds us that He came to Earth for a purpose, in 10:34 we learned that Jesus' mission is to eliminate evil. His use of the word "sword" in that verse allows us to deduce that He means business... he will not loiter around picking daisies, not until peace has won. And peace will win.
John sends two of his disciples to Jesus. Their arrival announces to Jesus the condition of John's situation and they ask Jesus' "are you the Coming One?" By this they mean, "Are you the Son of God prophesied about in the Bible?" They want to make sure they have the right guy.
11:4-5 Jesus answers their question in a humble way. Jesus does not claim to be special. What He tells the two disciples of John is that the mission of God, prophesied to be accomplished, is currently being accomplished. This is most important to Jesus, that the people may know not that HE is doing it, but that it is BEING done.
11:6 Blessed is the person who's heart accepts the sweet and true message of God. If any of the kindness Jesus taught is offensive to a person, they definitely have a wicked heart.
11:7 Jesus does not want the multitude to mistake John for a weak character. The metaphor: He is not a reed, small and fickle, swayed or changed by the wind. For surely, if an easy breeze frightens a person, they would not be a very successful advocate of the word.
11:8 Another important distinction: John is not treated and living as royalty in this time. If what you are seeking by reading the Bible is luxury here on Earth, material wealth, you will not find it. John's focused and brave work is not regarded at all by the people of Earth. He has been hated and imprisoned for his work yet it remains important to him and he does not back down from it. He does not teach the way of God for his own reward, He does it for you. He is a selfless and devoted man.
11:9-10 Jesus makes it very clear how God views John: He establishes and accepts him as a great and unshakable prophet. John was prophesied about long before his actual birth so God knows him well to be a man unlike any other in his strength and dedication to the word.
11:11 Those born of women are all of humanity here on Earth. Even though John up until that point of Jesus' speaking was the greatest to be born, those in Heaven are of even greater and purer goodness. We are on Earth can be and often are lovable and kind but the world corrupts all of us, even if only a little bit. Those in Heaven have no impurities and we should see that as a reward in itself. God is perfect, no part of Him is evil, and He is our protector, our Father.
11:12 Jesus explains that since the word of God has been sent around the world, multitudes of people rush for a spot in Heaven. The word is effective in capturing our hearts.
11:13-14 There have always been prophets teaching the day. During these moments in Matthew 11, John is the current prophet, the one to witness Jesus. Another will come to us, and soon: Elijah.
11:15 Those of you who are able to accept and establish the meaning of these beautiful words... accept them and establish them in your mind!
11:16-17 Jesus tells them straight: this generation of people is (and continues to be) filled with hypocrites and gossips who insist on negativity and only live on the surface of what is important. They seek immediate reward and entertainment even though they have not earned it.
11:18 John came and did everything selflessly and perfectly and still he was hated, wrongly accused of being a demon.
11:19 Jesus came in a friendly manner to all and was hated for all that He did. Therefore, a person cannot win when an evil generation judges them. No matter how you arrive to help them, they reject you.
Wisdom is justified by her children: Kind, intelligent and humble people are wise and do not seek or need reward from anyone to be their true, honest selves. They are wise and their wisdom saves them from being like the evil generations.
11:20 Those who rejected Jesus despite his loving and kind message will be judged by God.
22:21-24 Jesus says that past evil cities would have changed their ways after hearing the word of God and because of that, they will be saved. But the people who were lucky enough to learn directly from Jesus Himself and decided to disregard His message will be judged doubly for they are fully aware of their wrongdoing and yet still support evil and continue to be evil.
This is Jesus doing as He promised He would: He came with a sword to battle evil. His message is to them, be better or be gone.
22:26 Jesus thanks God. The word is taught in a special way, it is revealed to the humble and meek and hidden from those who wrongly believe they are the smart and mighty. An arrogant man can not properly interpret the Bible but a lowly man with a great heart will find ease with it because He dedicates Himself to God and receives help. God is not impressed by wealth or power.
22:27 Jesus gives all credit to God. A person cannot know God without knowing His message brought to them by Jesus and likewise a person cannot know (understand Jesus' instructions) Jesus unless they love the way of God. The dynamic between Jesus and God is a unique relationship of spirit.
22:28 Jesus is so loving and comforting. He wants your burdens. Let Him help you. Let Him absorb your worries. How do you do this? Establish a relationship between yourself and God over time. Treat others and love others as you want Him to love you and it will naturally unfold.
22:29-30 He is gentle and humble and you can rest in Him eternally alive and free.
22:29-30 He is gentle and humble and you can rest in Him eternally alive and free.
