[1] And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities.
Verse 1 Expanded Bible Comments
| And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities. | |
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| Question | Answer |
| To whom did our Lord give commandments to in the previous chapter? | His 12 disciples. |
| Where had they been? | In "Galilee of the Gentiles." |
| Was there any advantage to them being there? | R4594 (blue highlight.) While Br. Russell is not emphasizing this point, yet it seems clear that Jesus would have less opposition from the Jews where there were fewer of the more rigid "scribes and pharisees." |
[2] Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, [3] And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another? [4] Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and show John again those things which ye do hear and see: [5] The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. [6] And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.
Verses 2-3 Expanded Bible Comments
| Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, [3] And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another? | |
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Please see parallel account in Luke 7:18-20 |
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| Question | Answer |
| Where was John the Baptist at this time? | In prison. |
| What was the question John had his disciples ask of Jesus? | Are you the Messiah or are you more like me, a forerunner of the Messiah? |
| Considering John 1:29-30, why did John ask this question? | It would appear that John had some doubt. John knew of the prophecies telling of how the Messiah would conquer and would bring about a great reign of peace. So why had he not seen any indication of this in Jesus? R4594 |
| Why did he send two of his disciples, why not just one? | Deut. 19:15; Matt. 18:15-16 – While these texts involve someone sinning or offending another (and we do not think John was thinking in that manner,) they do establish a good principle, i.e., by having more than one witness to Jesus' response, John could be sure of the accuracy of the answer reported back to him. |
Verses 4-6 Expanded Bible Comments
| Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and show John again those things which ye do hear and see: [5] The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. [6] And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me. | |
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Please see parallel account in Luke 7:21-23 |
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| Question | Answer |
| What was the answer Jesus gave to John's disciples? | He performed many miracles (healing, casting out devils, giving sight to the blind, etc.) |
| What did his answer mean? | All these are evidences of the Messiah. He knew that John was (like many of the Jews at that time) looking for the "conquering general" aspect of the Messiah. Jesus here was reminding him of another set of prophecies concerning the Messiah, and that Jesus was indeed fulfilling them, thus providing proof (to those who had faith and were watching) that He was indeed the promised Messiah. |
| Does the answer given here by Jesus at His first advent have any bearing at His second advent? If so, how does it apply? | Yes. The religious leaders at the second advent should have been able to read the signs of the times. When these were presented to them, they should have been able to When the evidences of our Lord's Presence were presented to the religious leaders at the time of the Second Advent, they should have been able to recognize them, after all, the last thing Jesus said to His disciples was concerning the times and seasons. Acts 1:7 |
| Why did Jesus add "Blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me." | Both to John and to all of us he was saying, "Don't lose faith in me." R4595:top |
[7] And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? [8] But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. [9] But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. [10] For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. [11] Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. [12] And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. [13] For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. [14] And if ye will receive it, this is Elijah, which was for to come. [15] He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. [16] But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows, [17] And saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented. [18] For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil. [19] The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.
Verses 7-8 Expanded Bible Comments
| And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? [8] But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. | Please see parallel account in Luke 7:24-28 |
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| Question | Answer |
| After John's disciples leave, who did Jesus speak to? | The multitudes. |
| About what was he speaking? | John the Baptist. |
| What was the first question He asked them? | What went ye out into the wilderness to see? |
| Why did He ask this question? What was he doing? | He was taking advantage of the situation. John's disciples, after first making their inquiry of him, had just left. He knew that among those in the multitude were those who had previously been John's disciples. Surely all by that time knew of John's fame. – As usual, Jesus was making them think.
The other thing Jesus was suggesting by this question "What went you out for to see" was that curiosity is not religion. Many are curious about God and even about His Truth. This alone does NOT make them religious. No, it takes much more. |
| Why did he follow that question with "A reed shaken with the wind?" | Clearly the people knew that this was not John's reputation. He was bold in declaring God's truth (one of the reasons he had been cast into prison.) This was not a man who could be "blown about by every wind of doctrine." Eph. 4:14 R4595 |
| Why in vs. 8 does Jesus repeat the question "What went ye out for to see?" | He is driving home the point that when they sought the favor of God they were not going to find it amongst the worldly-minded Kings and their crowd. If they wanted God's favor they were to get it through God's appointed channels, His prophets. |
| Why does he add "A man clothed in soft raiment?" followed by "behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses." | He was reminding them that they had enough faith and enough of the right heart condition to seek repentance and to hear the strong message John was preaching. They knew he was a prophet of God and therefore they wanted to hear. |
Verses 9-11 Expanded Bible Comments
| But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. [10] For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. [11] Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. | |
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| Question | Answer |
| Was John the Baptist a prophet? | Yes, in both senses of that word. 1. As a public speaker of the Lord's word, a preacher of righteousness. 2. A seer or teller of future events. |
| Why did Jesus say John was "more than a prophet?" | Because he not only spoke prophetically (Matt. 3:10-12) but he also was the one who heralded the Messiah to Israel. R4594:12 |
| "This is he of whom it is written." – Where is it written? | Mal. 3:1 |
| What did our Lord mean by saying that "He that is least in the kingdom of heaven" is greater than John the Baptist? How can that be? | Because those who attain the Kingdom of Heaven will be raised as Spirit Beings (Little flock – Divine nature; or Great Company – spirit nature, similar to angels.) Spirit nature is higher than human nature. |
| Last week we discussed John 3:3-8 in relation to the next question. The question being followed was "the word in these verses translated as "born," should it be "born" or should it be "begotten?" Based on our Lord's description of the capabilities of one who is "born of the spirit" being able to come and go as the wind, it is clear that Jesus was speaking of the Spiritual phase of the Kingdom, and that the word should be rendered "born." | |
| Br. Walter asked "Was Christ begotten twice?" – which question we did not have time to discuss. | |
| Was Christ begotten twice? | He was created as the Logos. John 1:1,2; Q374:5 |
| Why did Jesus say "Among them that are born of women..?" | Suggestion: It would appear that He was making it clear that He was referring to humanity only and excluding angels (or any other spirit beings.) |
| Is Jesus saying that John was greater than Moses, David, Daniel, Noah, etc.? [read carefully] | It does not say that John was the greatest (i.e., all were less than John) but rather that none were greater (i.e., one or more may have been John's equal, but none of them were greater than John.) NS444:1-3 |
Verses 12-15 Expanded Bible Comments
| And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. [13] For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. [14] And if ye will receive it, this is Elijah, which was for to come. [15] He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. | |
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| Question | Answer |
| To what was Jesus referring when he said "the kingdom of heaven?" | The embryo Kindom, the church. |
| Why did Jesus say "From the days of John the Baptist until now" when referring to "the kingdom of heaven?" Was he telling his disciples that John was of the "kingdom of heaven" class? | He was NOT saying that John was of the heavenly phase of the Kingdom. He was indicating "the kingdom of heaven" class (the New Creation) began at the time of John, specifically when he immersed our Lord at Jordan. R703:3-5 |
| How had "the kingdom of heaven" suffered violence? | R2128:1 |
| How could the violent take "the kingdom of heaven.. by force?" | This has already happened in the great Anti-Christ system. |
| What did Jesus mean by "all the law and prophets prophesied until John?" What was he telling us? | The promise of the law was "the man who kept the law would live and not die." See Rom. 10:5. Of course no one could keep the law, the measure of a perfect man's ability. Now Jesus was opening up a new and living way, the high calling to the Divine nature. |
| How could John the Baptist be Elijah? Was John Elijah re-incarnated? | No, John was not Elijah re-incarnated. He was a partial fulfillment of the Elijah type. R3293:3 |
| Where was it prophesied that Elijah would come? | Mal. 4:5-6 – We should note there is in vs. 6 a hint that Elijah would not be able to completely fulfill this statement when it adds "Lest I come and smite the earth with a curse." This was true both of John as the partial fulfillment of the Elijah type and also of the church in the flesh for a great time of trouble came upon the (symbolic) earth, both at the end of the Jewish age (with the destruction of the church-nation (especially the city of Jerusalem) 69-73 A.D.) and the end of the Gospel age (with the destruction of the church-state arrangement of Christendom) 1914-1918 A.D. |
| Why did Jesus say "If ye will receive it..?" | Because John was not the complete fulfillment of the type. That is fulfilled by "The Christ" – Head and body. See Vol. II Study 8. |
| Why did Jesus then add "He that hath ears to hear, let him hear?" | He was referring to those who would pay attention and take to heart his sayings. Additionally He this may have been necessary for them to hear because John himself denied being the promised Elijah. See John 1:19-21. |
Verses 16-17 Expanded Bible Comments
| But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows, [17] And saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented. | Please see parallel account in Luke 7:29-35 |
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| Question | Answer |
| To whom is Jesus speaking? | Note Luke 7:29-30 |
| What did Jesus mean by "this generation?" | Those Jews living at that time. |
| To what did he compare them to? | To children. |
The next two questions are NOT referring to what Jesus said in vss 18-19. | |
| What was indicated by "We have piped unto you, and you have not danced?" | Remember, he is referring to them as children. Children might expect other children to responsd by dancing. |
| What was indicated by "we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented?" | Children might expect other children to "play act" by lamenting in response to children mourning to them. 1 Cor. 13:11 |
Verses 18-19 Expanded Bible Comments
| For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a demon. [19] The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children. | ||||||||||||||||
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| Question | Answer | |||||||||||||||
| "They say, He hath a demon." Who are "they?" | The Jews. | |||||||||||||||
| What is Jesus talking about in verse 18? | The people went to see John, most thinking he was a prophet. Most of the Jewish leaders who went to see him likely did so to learn what he said so they may defend their place as leaders before the people. | |||||||||||||||
| What is a "winebibber?" | "A person who drinks much wine." dictionary.com | |||||||||||||||
| Why did Jesus indicate that he "came eating and drinking?" | To show the contrast with John the Baptist who was very strict with his diet. They are looking to find fault instead of observing and learning that Messiah is here! | |||||||||||||||
| How does Jesus describe himself in verse 19? | As "the Son of the man."
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| What should this have revealed to those who "had an ear to hear?" | That Jesus was the long-awaited Messiah. | |||||||||||||||
[20] Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not: [21] Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. [22] But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you. [23] And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to Hades: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. [24] But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee.
Verse 20 Expanded Bible Comments
| Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not: | |
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| Question | Answer |
| What did Jesus do next? | He upbraided the cities where he performed "his mighty works." |
| Why did he do it? | "Because they repented not." |
Verses 21-22 Expanded Bible Comments
| Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. [22] But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you. | |
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| Question | Answer |
| Why did Jesus name Chorazin and Bethsaida? |  |
| What does he say happened in those cities? | "Mighty works were done in" them. |
| Why did he name Tyre and Sidon? |  |
| What was the comparison Jesus was making between, on the one hand, Chorazin and Bethsaida, and, on the other hand, Tyre and Sidon? | Tyre is used as a symbol of Satan's Kingdom. - Eze. 28:12, 2 |
| What does he say would have taken place in Tyre and Sidon? | "They would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes." |
| What was the future to hold for Chorazin; Bethsaida and for Tyre and Sidon? | Chorazin and Bethsaida will have a "tolerable" time in the mediatorial phase of the Kingdom while it will be "more tolerable" for Tyre and Zidon. |
| Why are their futures to be different? | Because of their response to the works of God through our Lord Jesus. |
Verses 23-24 Expanded Bible Comments
| And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to Hades: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. [24] But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee. | |
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| Question | Answer |
| Why did Jesus name the city of Capernaum? | For the same reasons as he mentioned Chorazin and Bethsaida. |
| Why did he say they were "exalted unto heaven?" | Jesus lived in Capernaum. They were witnesses of both his character and his miracles. |
| Why did Jesus compare Capernaum to the city of Sodom? | Because Sodom was so wicked that they were destroyed by God. He was showing that Capernaum was worse. Eze. 16:55 |
| What was the comparison Jesus made between Capernaum and Sodom? | As evil as Sodom was, had it witnessed what Capernaum had in the way of God's love and power they would have repented and God would not have destroyed them. |
| What is to happen to these two cities in the day of judgment, i.e. how will it be different for Capernaum and for Sodom – and why? | Tolerable for Capernaum, more tolerable for Sodom. |
[25] At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. [26] Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight. [27] All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him. [28] Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. [29] Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. [30] For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Verses 25-26 Expanded Bible Comments
| At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. [26] Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight. | |
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| Question | Answer |
| Unity vs Trinity question: Why would Jesus have thanked the Father if Jesus and the Father have always been the same person? | Perhaps talking to one's self is a good thing? (tic) |
| How did Jesus address the Father and what does that teach us? | As the Lord of heaven and earth. This should teach us to do the same. We should always remember that God has all things under His control. It helps to appreciate Rom. 8:28. |
| From whom was the Gospel hidden? | From "the wise and prudent." |
| Why was it hidden from them? | They had become to proud to accept it. Because of this attitude it would have done them more harm than good. – If we are not careful, the same could become true of us. |
| To whom was the Truth of the Gospel revealed? | Those who had a child-like, trusting and humble attitude. |
| Who was it that did the revealing? | The Father. |
Verse 27 Expanded Bible Comments
| All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him. | |
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| Question | Answer |
| From where did Jesus get His knowledge and understanding? | From God, His Father. |
| Who knows the Son? | The Father – God. |
| Who knows the Father? | The Son – Jesus. |
| Who else knows the Father? | Those to whom the Son (Jesus) reveals the Father, i.e., the true church. |
Verses 28-30 Expanded Bible Comments
| Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. [29] Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. [30] For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. | |
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| Question | Answer |
| Who does Jesus invite to come to Him? | Those who are under the stress of this world. Jews were under the law. |
| What does He promise to these? | Rest from their cares. |
| What is a yoke? | "A wooden bar or frame by which two draft animals (as oxen) are joined at the heads or necks for working together." – Webster |
| Who is it we are to learn about? | We are to learn of Jesus. |
| What characteristics are we especially to note? | Meekness, lowliness of mind (i.e., not proud, not vain.) |
| What will be the results if we do properly learn? | "Ye shall find rest unto your souls." |
| What kind of yoke did Jesus have? | An easy, light one. |
| How is it that we could take His yoke upon us? | By faith, full un-reserved consecration to the Lord and daily living that consecration. |
| How could His yoke be easy? | Because he knew the Father was with him. |
| Remembering that Jesus carried the weight of the future of the entire human race upon His shoulders, how could His burden be light? | His flesh carried the burden but his spirit was light because he did not seek his own will but that of the Father. |