Matthew 11

Notes

Ver. 2-5. Though his own long confinement, and the low figure which Christ made in the world, were great trials of John's belief of his being the true Messiah, yet it was probably more for the satisfaction of his disciples than for his own that he now sent them to Christ; and Christ refers them to the works which they saw him do as unanswerable proofs of his true Messiahship. 6. Blessed only is he who, upon the evidence I give, is so well satisfied of my Divinity and Messiahship, that no prejudices nor discouragements can make him reject or disown me. 7-13. John, whom ye heard preach in the wilderness of Judea, was no unstable pleaser of men, no delicate gentleman, but an inspired prophet, and greater than all his predecessors, since he pointed me out as already come in the flesh; and yet every gospel minister will be still more honourable, having much clearer views of my person, obedience, and sufferings, grace and glory, and of the spiritual design of my kingdom.—Since John began to preach, great multitudes have crowded to hear the gospel; and many, even publicans and other notorious sinners, have, with eagerness and vehemence, sought after the gracious and saving blessings of it; and my coming, and blessings, represented by Moses and the prophets as future and distant, are now considered as present. 16-19. The body of the Jews, now living, are so senseless, peevish, and perverse, that they relish no form of instruction, whether mournful or cheerful. John Baptist recommended his doctrine of humiliation and repentance by a severe and solitary life of fasting and self-denial; and they, instead of mourning with him for their sins, reproached him as a sullen unsociable man, possessed by the devil. And when I, the Messiah, recommended my glad tidings of salvation by a more free, friendly, and social conversation, they reproached me as a gluttonous and drunken companion of the vilest miscreants. But let envy and malice suggest what they will, the wisdom of God in these doctrines, and in the manner of manifesting them, and I, as the Messiah, are, and will be, approved, attested, and vindicated in and by every true believer. 20-24. Christ does not affirm that the extremely wicked inhabitants of Tyre, Sidon, and Sodom would have repented after a godly sort, but so as to prevent the fearful judgments which came upon them. 25, 26. In thy high dignity, and that none may glory in himself, thou hast savingly manifested the doctrines and blessings of the gospel, not to men famous for learning and worldly policy, but to the lowest, plainest, and weakest of men. 27-30. Since my Father, who alone fully knows my nature, character, and work, and whom I fully know, and savingly manifest, has intrusted to my care and management all persons and things relative to the redemption of men, I invite and call every one that labours in or is laden with guilt, corruption, burdensome ceremonies, or attempts after legal righteousness, to receive me and my full salvation by faith, as the only effectual means of rest and relief. And since I am gracious, gentle, and condescending, yield yourselves to my instructions and influence, and follow my example, that ye may find refreshment and satisfaction to your souls. For my service is perfect freedom; my commands, particularly under the gospel dispensation, are not grievous; and I will lay no burdens upon my disciples which I will not enable them to bear.

Ver. 3. Not as if John retracted the testimony he had already given to Jesus as the 'Lamb of God,' or that he doubted the mark of the descending Spirit—but that he might turn the eyes of his disciples from his own light, which he knew to be about to expire, and fix them upon Jesus, the true and inextinguishable Sun.—Note, 'He that should come' was a title of Christ. See Ps. 50. 3; 118. 26. C.

Ver. 5. The poor. A characteristic of Messiah, peculiarly suited to impress John—who was so remarkable for austerity of life and renunciation of the world. C.

Ver. 9. What the prophets saw at a distance John saw nigh at hand; what they saw by faith, he, as the apostles did, 'saw, looked upon, and handled,' of the manifested Word of life, 1 Jn. 1. 1. C.

Ver. 11. Greater. Not greater in dignity or power—for that is inconsistent with the brotherhood of disciples, Mat. 23. 8; not greater in working miracles—for that gift was not universal in the primitive church—but greater in the prophetic office, not in the department of predictions, but in that of exposition. And in that, truly, the weakest believer knows more of Christ than John did. C.

Ver. 19. Wisdom, owing to different circumstances of time, place, rank, society, and health, will dictate different courses, either in the temperate use of, or in total abstinence from, worldly comforts; and hypocritical and worldly men will be sure to condemn, no matter which line is followed. The wisdom of these several courses, when the circumstances and motives are weighed, will be acknowledged by candid and impartial men, and approved by Him who 'sees not as man sees,' and who judges 'righteous judgment.' C.

Ver. 21. Then why did not God thus lead them to repentance? 'Nay, but who art thou, O man, that repliest against God?' That they would have repented is certain—for the Lord has said it; but that their repentance would have been unto life, he has not said, and no man can tell. From ver. 23 it is evident that the repentance contemplated was merely that which, by arresting the progress of luxury and dissipation, would have retarded or averted national judgments and destruction. C.

Ver. 25. Hid these things. As a just judgment on men, who, 'professing themselves wise, had become fools'—'and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator.' C.

Reflections.—Graciously God raises up one minister when he has removed another. And all faithful preachers lead their hearers only to Christ and his truths. Yea, Jesus takes delight in honouring them who honour God; and in satisfying a humble though doubting faith, while wilful obstinacy is confounded. It is not outward splendours, but eminent gifts, graces, and faithfulness, that truly commend preachers. And it adds to their honour if by their means poor sinners be cast into the mould of the gospel, or multitudes awakened to an earnest concern about their salvation. But let faithful ministers behave as they will, they must expect reproach and persecution. Nor can the best qualified and most diligent effectually convert their hearers. But, alas! tremendous and infinite is their danger who obstinately rebel against the light and grace of the gospel, stumble at the Redeemer, abuse the means of his grace, and insolently reproach him and his servants! Redoubled sorrow must be their everlasting portion. Let Britain, let my soul, think and tremble! But O how delightful and unbounded are the fitness and fulness of Christ to save sinners and his Father's rich and heavenly grace. Yet tender, extensive, and free are his invitations of self-destroyed and self-deceiving sinners to himself; and full are his assurances of salvation directed to them. Yea, the views of his love, and influences of his Spirit, render their service pleasant, and make his cross easy and light in the way to their glorious crown.