Matthew 11:3

"Now when John heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples"

Key Reflection

In Matthew 11:3, John the Baptist, imprisoned and uncertain about Jesus' identity, sends two of his disciples to inquire, "Are you he who comes, or should we look for another?" This query reveals John's deep concern and confusion amidst his isolation, highlighting the tension between his initial skepticism and his growing faith. The cultural context is also significant; in a society where prophetic authority was paramount, John's action underscores the importance of verification and the ongoing nature of spiritual discernment even among those who previously doubted.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 3. Art thou he that should come. That is, art thou the Messiah, or the Christ. The Jews expected a Saviour. His coming had been long foretold, Ge 49:10; Is 9:1-6; 11:1-5; 35:4-6; 53:1-12; Da 9:24-27. See also Joh 6:14. Comp. De 18:18,19. In Common language, therefore, he was familiarly described as he that was to come. Luke adds here, (Lu 7:21) that at the time when the messengers came to him, Jesus cured many of their infirmities, and plagues, and of evil spirits. An answer was, therefore, ready to the inquiries of John. __________________________________________________________________

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