More explanation on Matthew 10 and 11

I wanted to write a little bit about some discussions and questions that were raised the last couple of weeks regarding Matthew 10 and 11.

First, in Matthew 10, verses 21-23 and then verses 34 – 39 – we are somewhat shocked when Jesus is telling his disciples and others that brothers will be adversaries and that Jesus did not come to bring ‘peace but a sword’ as families will turn on each other household members will be enemies.  

This is so difficult to accept that this would be true or necessary in our own 21^st century families and social circles. Keep in mind that Christianity is not new in our culture and that we don’t look like heretics following some philosopher claiming to be the Messiah. 

Jesus is helping them to realize that there will be such severe opposition to their commitment to Him, that their family may be divided.  The culture of that time was dominated by honor and by shame and people really cared about what their families thought. For people to choose Christ over the respect of their families was huge.

Again in verses 34-37, we see Jesus warn others that there will be serious strife in their families. The example of mother-in-law and daughter-in-law is because young couples usually lived with the husband’s family.  Many people thought that honoring their parents was THE most important social obligation, and Jesus made it clear that the persecution that would result from allegiance to him would be costly.

When we were discussion Chapter 11, we raised a question about WHY would John – who was in prison – send his disciples to ask Jesus for verification.  We speculated on the answers, and when I checked the commentaries, I was surprised at their answers.  In verses 1 – 6, John is revealing his human weakness.  He is in prison, he tired of being in prison, and he is wondering if he misunderstood what the Messiah would look like – what the Messiah would be.  John had recognized Christ’s identity back in Chapter 3 at the baptism, but after being imprisoned, he is discouraged and doubtful.

After he (John) prepared the way, John was expecting Jesus to baptize the world in fire and judgment – which Jesus will do.  What John wasn’t realizing was that Jesus had another mission before the fire and judgment would commence.

“In contrast to the expectations of some of his contemporaries, John's expectations about the Messiah's future role were right; Jesus would baptize in fire, judging the world with justice and freeing the captives. But John did not understand that Jesus had another mission before the coming judgment. Jesus urged him to believe nonetheless.”

Matthew shares John’s struggle – not to condemn John – but to encourage others as they surely would face doubts and persecutions.

When Jesus mentions OT passages, he is reminding John that this messianic era has been prophesied and that He (Jesus) is fulfilling that prophesy – performing miracles and caring for ‘broken reeds’ (Isaiah 35.) Even though our work for Jesus may be difficult – He will strengthen us for the task – verse 6.

Jesus does not condemn John’s struggle, but He even blesses John if he will persevere.

“When Jesus announces that disciples of the kingdom are greater than John, he is exalting the disciples, not minimizing John; he uses John for the comparison precisely because he is so significant in God's plan (v. 11).”

Jesus explains that John is NOT a pampered, rich, insincere prophet, but that John is the messenger preparing the way for the Messiah. 

“John's role was great because of the greatness of the One he introduced. If disciples of the kingdom have a greater role than John, it is not because we are more devout than he was; it is because we proclaim a fuller message of the kingdom than John could, for we can look back and understand what John did not (see above on 11:2-3): the kingdom is not only future but was present in Jesus (v. 12).”

The quoted material is from IVP – a biblical commentary that uses multiple sources.