Bible Study on Matthew 11, verses 7 to 15, the greatest man in history before Christ

 

Matthew 11:7 ¶  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 Elias, which was for to come. 15  He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

 

Jesus here reinforces the importance of John the Baptist’s ministry and the value of this Old Testament prophet living in the New Testament. Verse 10 is a reference to;

 

Malachi 3:1 ¶  Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.

 

Jesus here states that John the Baptist was Elijah the prophet in type. He comes in the spirit and power of Elijah. This is not about the idea of reincarnation which is false.

 

Hebrews 9:27  And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

 

Jesus’ declaration that the person that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than the greatest man who ever lived before Christ is very important. As hard as it may be for us to understand those people who lived before Christ did not have near the access to the throne that we do, having the Spirit of God living inside each of us. We have the capacity to do even greater things for Christ, if you can imagine it.

 

John did his part but we can do more. It is astounding to consider.

 

In verse 12 is expressed the urgency with which people are pressing into God’s kingdom as suggested by Matthew Henry and John Gill. Here is a parallel verse.

 

Luke 16:16  The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it.

 

Modern commentators, without cross-referencing, say that this verse is about violent opposition to the gospel. It is one of those hard sentences to translate from one language to the next they say. The problem with the modern interpretation is that how do you reconcile with the kingdom of heaven being taken? I can understand if they said “being opposed” but how is it taken by force?

 

If you compare Luke 16:16 with this verse it becomes apparent that all of these prostitutes, tax-collectors, these sinners, and the common people who were being healed and changed were clamoring to get into the kingdom of heaven, to experience that fullness of Christ, and they were desperate to do so. Maybe you have a better interpretation.