Notes on Matthew Ch.11-19
Ch.11 2-6.John, in prison, is likely feeling discouraged, maybe for the first time doubtful; hearing the stories of Jesus, only from a distance: Jesus sends a reassuring message back to John, that he is performing the very things that it was prophesied Messiah would do. 7-11. Until the time of Messiah, prophets were the spokespersons of God - his representatives on earth among the people - often performing miraculous acts for his glory. Israel were used to following and listening to prophets. What made John the Baptist so intriguing - some people hating him, and some loving him - was that until his arrival, there had been no significant voice of God - no public prophet - for 400 years! Now all of a sudden, God speaks; and for many different reasons and with many different reactions, the people listen. Malachi, the last prophet to speak, will prophesy about the one who will break that silence, as Jesus now confirms: What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more t...