Abide Together: Reflections on Matthew 11

In Matthew 11 Jesus makes it clear over and over that He is the promised Messiah. His answer to John the Baptist’s question of whether He is the “Expected One” points to His works as proof that He is the Messiah.  Jesus also points to the fact that He is the Messiah by explaining John’s ministry.  John is the fulfillment of the prophecy concerning the one who will prepare the way for the Messiah, as well as the one who was promised to come in the spirit of Elijah. Jesus says that HE has made it so plain that He is the Messiah that many cities that have rejected Him will be judged more severely than the wicked cities of Tyre, Sidon and Sodom of the Old Testament.  Although Jesus’ words, works and the witness of John are enough to condemn people for their unbelief, Jesus explains that it is not intelligence that will cause a person to believe.  Instead, those who believe will be the ones who are humble and know they need rest for their souls.  Only God can reveal this to people.  Thank you Lord, for clearly revealing that Jesus is the Messiah who saves from sin and for opening my eyes to this truth.  By Your grace, may I continually proclaim this truth every day.

– Bryan McKenzie