◄ Matthew 11 ►
Berean Standard Bible Par ▾ 

John’s Inquiry
(Luke 7:18–23)

1After Jesus had finished instructing His twelve disciples, He went on from there to teach and preach in their cities.a

2Meanwhile John heard in prison about the works of Christ, and he sent his disciplesb 3to ask Him, “Are You the One who was to come, or should we look for someone else?”

4Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: 5The blind receive sight, the lame walk, the lepersc are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. 6Blessed is the one who does not fall away on account of Me.d”

Jesus Testifies about John
(Malachi 3:1–5; Luke 7:24–35)

7As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swaying in the wind? 8Otherwise, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? Look, those who wear fine clothing are found in kings’ palaces. 9What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10This is the one about whom it is written:

‘Behold, I will send My messenger ahead of You,

who will prepare Your way before You.’e

11Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has risen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet even the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subject to violence,f and the violent lay claim to it. 13For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. 14And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come.g

15He who has ears,h let him hear.

16To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others:

17‘We played the flute for you,

and you did not dance;

we sang a dirge,

and you did not mourn.’

18For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon!’ 19The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at this glutton and drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ But wisdom is vindicated by her actions.”

Woe to the Unrepentant
(Luke 10:13–16)

20Then Jesus began to denounce the cities in which most of His miracles had been performed, because they did not repent. 21“Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 22But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you.

23And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to heaven? No, you will be brought down to Hades! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. 24But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.”

Rest for the Weary
(Luke 10:21–24)

25At that time Jesus declared, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. 26Yes, Father, for this was well-pleasing in Your sight.

27All things have been entrusted to Me by My Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him.

28Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible.

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Matthew 11 Summary
John's Inquiry

Verses 1–6 – John’s Question and Jesus’ Proof
John, now in prison, sends messengers to ask Jesus, “Are You the One who is to come, or should we look for someone else?” Jesus answers by pointing to the miracles happening—“the blind receive sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the gospel is preached to the poor”—and then adds, “Blessed is the one who does not stumble on account of Me.”

Verses 7–15 – Greater Than a Prophet
After John’s disciples leave, Jesus tells the crowd that John is no reed shaken by the wind; he is the messenger foretold in Malachi. No one born of women is greater, yet even the least in the kingdom is greater than John. From John’s arrival until now, “the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it.” All the Law and Prophets pointed to this moment.

Verses 16–19 – Children in the Marketplace
Jesus compares the current generation to children who complain no matter the tune. John’s austere lifestyle made them say, “He has a demon,” while Jesus’ table fellowship made them call Him “a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.” Yet “wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.”

Verses 20–24 – Warnings to Unrepentant Cities
Jesus rebukes Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum because they saw mighty works yet refused to turn back to God. He declares that Tyre, Sidon, and even Sodom would have repented had they seen such miracles, so their final judgment will be more bearable.

Verses 25–27 – Hidden from the Wise, Revealed to Children
Jesus thanks the Father for revealing kingdom truths to “little children” rather than the self-confident who think they know it all. “All things have been entrusted to Me by My Father,” He adds, stressing the unique mutual knowledge between Father and Son.

Verses 28–30 – Rest for the Weary
Jesus invites the worn-out: “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest… My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” The call is personal, gentle, and full of promise.

Matthew 11 presents a critical moment of doubt from John the Baptist, seeking confirmation if Jesus is the awaited Messiah. This chapter also records Jesus' affirmation of His identity, His testimony about John's ministry, His lament over unrepentant cities, and a comforting invitation to find rest in Him.

Setting in Matthew’s Overall Narrative

• Matthew 1–10 introduces Jesus’ birth, teachings, and miracles, climaxing with the sending of the Twelve.

• Chapter 11 marks rising tension: John is in prison, the crowds are indecisive, cities remain unmoved, and religious leaders are increasingly suspicious. The chapter bridges early excitement and the growing resistance that will lead to the cross.

John the Baptist’s Imprisonment

Josephus locates John’s imprisonment at Machaerus, a fortress east of the Dead Sea. Herod Antipas jailed John for condemning his unlawful marriage (Matthew 14:3–4). Despite earlier certainty (John 1:29–34), prison tests John’s hopes, showing that even strong believers wrestle with doubt.

Messianic Signs Jesus Lists (Verses 4–5)

The deeds Jesus cites echo prophecies in Isaiah:

• Blind see (Isaiah 35:5).

• Lame walk (Isaiah 35:6).

• Lepers cleansed and deaf hear (Isaiah 35:5–6; 61:1).

• Dead raised (implied in Isaiah 26:19).

• Good news to the poor (Isaiah 61:1).

These acts announce that the promised age has arrived.

“The Kingdom of Heaven Has Been Forcefully Advancing” (Verse 12)

Options for understanding the verse:

1. God’s kingdom is pressing forward with vigor.

2. Determined people are “seizing” the kingdom, entering with bold faith despite opposition.

Either way, Jesus highlights urgency. Luke 16:16 offers a parallel thought.

Children in the Marketplace Illustration

First-century village children mimicked weddings (with flutes and dancing) and funerals (with dirges). They complained if playmates wouldn’t join. Jesus uses the game to show how His generation refuses both John’s call to mourning and Jesus’ offer of joy (Luke 7:31–35).

Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum—Archaeological Notes

• Chorazin ruins lie two miles north of Capernaum; basalt synagogue remains date to later centuries but sit atop earlier foundations.

• Bethsaida, near the Jordan’s entry into the Sea of Galilee, has yielded fishing nets, anchors, and a house with weaving tools—evidence of everyday life in Jesus’ era.

• Capernaum’s synagogue foundation stones match first-century style; Peter’s house, beneath an octagonal church, shows graffiti naming Jesus.

Despite such proximity to miracles (Mark 1–2; Luke 10:13), these towns stayed unmoved.

Tyre, Sidon, and Sodom in Prophetic Memory

• Tyre and Sidon (Phoenician ports) faced judgment for pride and oppression (Isaiah 23; Ezekiel 26–28).

• Sodom stands for extreme corruption and downfall (Genesis 19).

Jesus’ comparison warns that privilege increases accountability (Luke 12:48).

The Yoke in First-Century Israel

A wooden yoke joined two oxen so they could share a plow’s pull. Rabbis also used “yoke” for Torah instruction (Sirach 6:24–30). Jesus invites people to swap the crushing yoke of sin and man-made rules (Matthew 23:4) for His yoke, which fits well and brings rest.

Father–Son Relationship (Verses 25–27)

Jesus reveals that only He truly knows the Father and only the Father truly knows Him, a bond hinted in Proverbs 8:30 and affirmed in John 10:15. This exclusive, intimate fellowship becomes the gateway for believers to know God (John 14:6).

Rest: A Thread from Genesis to Revelation

• God rested on the seventh day (Genesis 2:2).

• Israel was promised rest in the land (Joshua 21:44).

• Sabbath law offered weekly rest (Exodus 20:8–11).

• Hebrews 4:9–11 links Jesus’ salvation to entering “God’s rest.” Matthew 11:28–30 invites personal entry into that rest through trust in Jesus.

Key Themes

1. Honest doubt meets patient evidence (John in prison).

2. True greatness comes by serving God’s purpose (John’s role).

3. Indifference to clear light invites sharper judgment (unrepentant towns).

4. God delights to unveil truth to humble hearts.

5. Jesus offers a gentle, fitting way that leads to soul-level rest.

Connections to Other Scriptures

• Isaiah 35; 61 for messianic miracles and preaching.

• Malachi 3:1; 4:5–6 for the forerunner promise.

• Psalm 8:2—praise from children mirrors revelation to “little ones.”

• Jeremiah 6:16—“find rest for your souls,” echoed by Jesus.

• 1 John 5:12—life found only in the Son aligns with “No one knows the Father except the Son.”

Practical Insights for Believers Today

• Bring doubts to Jesus rather than hiding them; He answers with proof of who He is.

• Celebrate faithful servants like John yet remember that every disciple shares in kingdom privilege.

• Beware of spiritual numbness; repeated exposure to God’s works demands a response.

• Seek childlike openness, not self-satisfied wisdom.

• Trade heavy burdens for Jesus’ well-fitting yoke; walking with Him brings genuine rest.

Connections to Additional Scriptures
Isaiah 35:5-6
Prophecies about the Messiah's works, which Jesus fulfills.

Hebrews 4:9-11
The promise of rest for God's people, paralleling Jesus' invitation.

Psalm 55:22
Encouragement to cast your burdens on the Lord, who will sustain you.
Teaching Points
John the Baptist's Doubts
In Matthew 11:2-3, John the Baptist, imprisoned and facing uncertainty, sends his disciples to ask Jesus, Are You the One who is to come, or should we look for someone else? This highlights that even the strongest believers can experience doubt.

Jesus' Response
Jesus responds in verses 4-6 by pointing to His works: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. This affirms His messianic identity and fulfills Old Testament prophecies.

Rebuke of Unrepentant Cities
In verses 20-24, Jesus rebukes the cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum for their unbelief despite witnessing His miracles. This serves as a warning about the consequences of rejecting Christ.

Invitation to Rest
Verses 28-30 contain one of the most comforting invitations in Scripture: Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Jesus offers a yoke that is easy and a burden that is light, emphasizing His gentle and humble heart.
Practical Applications
Addressing Doubts
Like John the Baptist, we may face doubts. It's important to bring these doubts to Jesus and seek His truth through Scripture and prayer.

Recognizing Jesus' Works
Reflect on how Jesus' works in your life and the world around you affirm His identity and mission.

Responding to Jesus' Call
Accept Jesus' invitation to find rest in Him by surrendering your burdens and trusting in His gentle leadership.

Repentance and Faith
Evaluate areas of your life where you may be resisting Jesus' call to repentance and faith, and seek to align your heart with His will.
People
1. Jesus
Jesus is the central figure in Matthew 11. He is depicted as the Messiah and the Son of God, who teaches, performs miracles, and provides guidance to His followers. In this chapter, He speaks about John the Baptist and addresses the cities that witnessed His miracles but did not repent.

2. John the Baptist
John the Baptist is described as a prophet and the forerunner of Jesus. In Matthew 11, Jesus speaks highly of John, affirming his role in preparing the way for the Messiah. Jesus says, "Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist" (Matthew 11:11).

3. Disciples of John
The disciples of John the Baptist are mentioned when they come to Jesus to ask if He is the expected Messiah. They serve as messengers between John, who is in prison, and Jesus.

4. The Crowds
The crowds are the people who follow Jesus and listen to His teachings. In this chapter, Jesus addresses them regarding John the Baptist and their response to His own ministry.

5. The Cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum
These cities are personified in Jesus' rebuke for their unrepentance despite witnessing His miracles. Jesus pronounces woes upon them, comparing them unfavorably to Tyre, Sidon, and Sodom.

6. Tyre and Sidon
Although not individuals, these cities are mentioned by Jesus as examples of places that would have repented if they had witnessed the miracles performed in Chorazin and Bethsaida.

7. Sodom
Similarly, Sodom is referenced as a city that would have remained if it had seen the miracles performed in Capernaum, highlighting the gravity of Capernaum's unrepentance.

In this chapter, the Greek term "μετανοέω" (metanoeō), meaning "to repent," is significant as Jesus calls for repentance from the cities that witnessed His works. The emphasis on repentance and recognition of Jesus as the Messiah is central to the chapter's message.
Places
1. Galilee
In Matthew 11:1, it is mentioned that Jesus went on from there to teach and preach in the towns of Galilee. Galilee is a region in northern Israel, significant in the New Testament as the area where Jesus conducted much of His ministry. The Greek term used here is "Γαλιλαία" (Galilaia).

2. Chorazin
In Matthew 11:21, Jesus pronounces woe on Chorazin, a town where He performed many miracles, yet the people did not repent. The exact location of Chorazin is debated, but it is believed to be near the Sea of Galilee. The Greek term is "Χοραζίν" (Chorazin).

3. Bethsaida
Also in Matthew 11:21, Bethsaida is mentioned alongside Chorazin. It is another town where Jesus performed miracles, yet the people did not repent. Bethsaida is located near the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. The Greek term is "Βηθσαϊδά" (Bethsaida).

4. Tyre and Sidon
In Matthew 11:22, Jesus compares the unrepentant towns to Tyre and Sidon, ancient Phoenician cities known for their wealth and wickedness. These cities are located in modern-day Lebanon. The Greek terms are "Τύρος" (Tyros) and "Σιδών" (Sidon).

5. Capernaum
In Matthew 11:23, Jesus addresses Capernaum, a town that was exalted to heaven but would be brought down to Hades due to its lack of repentance. Capernaum served as a central hub for Jesus' ministry in Galilee. The Greek term is "Καπερναούμ" (Kapernaoum).
Events
1. John the Baptist's Inquiry (Matthew 11:2-3)
John the Baptist, who is in prison, sends his disciples to ask Jesus, "Are You the One who is to come, or should we look for someone else?" This reflects John's anticipation of the Messiah and his desire for confirmation.

2. Jesus' Response to John's Disciples (Matthew 11:4-6)
Jesus answers by pointing to His works: "Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. Blessed is the one who does not fall away on account of Me." This response highlights the fulfillment of Messianic prophecies, such as those found in Isaiah.

3. Jesus' Testimony about John (Matthew 11:7-15)
As John's disciples leave, Jesus speaks to the crowd about John, affirming his role as a prophet and more than a prophet, identifying him as the "messenger" who prepares the way (Malachi 3:1). Jesus states, "Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist."

4. The Kingdom of Heaven and Its Reception (Matthew 11:12-15)
Jesus discusses the forceful advancement of the kingdom of heaven and the opposition it faces. He emphasizes the significance of John the Baptist in the prophetic tradition, saying, "And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come."

5. Jesus' Rebuke of Unrepentant Cities (Matthew 11:20-24)
Jesus denounces the cities where He performed most of His miracles, such as Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum, for their lack of repentance. He declares that it will be more bearable for Tyre, Sidon, and Sodom on the day of judgment than for these cities.

6. Jesus' Prayer of Thanksgiving (Matthew 11:25-26)
Jesus offers a prayer of thanksgiving to the Father, saying, "I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children." This highlights the theme of divine revelation to the humble and childlike.

7. The Invitation to Rest (Matthew 11:28-30)
Jesus extends an invitation to all who are weary and burdened: "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." This passage emphasizes the rest and peace found in following Christ.
Topics
1. John the Baptist's Inquiry (Matthew 11:1-6)
John the Baptist, while imprisoned, sends his disciples to ask Jesus if He is the expected Messiah. Jesus responds by pointing to His miraculous works as evidence of His messianic identity. The Greek term "Christos" (Χριστός) is significant here, meaning "Anointed One," which aligns with the Hebrew "Mashiach."

2. Jesus' Testimony about John (Matthew 11:7-15)
Jesus speaks to the crowds about John the Baptist, affirming his role as the prophesied messenger who prepares the way for the Lord. Jesus quotes Malachi 3:1, emphasizing John's prophetic significance. The Greek word "prophētēs" (προφήτης) is used, meaning "prophet."

3. The Unresponsive Generation (Matthew 11:16-19)
Jesus compares the current generation to children in the marketplace, illustrating their fickle and unresponsive nature to both John's and His own ministry. The Greek word "genea" (γενεά) is used, meaning "generation" or "age."

4. Woes to Unrepentant Cities (Matthew 11:20-24)
Jesus pronounces woes on the cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum for their lack of repentance despite witnessing His miracles. The Greek term "metanoeō" (μετανοέω), meaning "to repent," is central to this passage.

5. The Father's Revelation (Matthew 11:25-27)
Jesus praises the Father for revealing divine truths to the humble rather than the wise and learned. The Greek word "apokalyptō" (ἀποκαλύπτω), meaning "to reveal," highlights the divine initiative in revelation.

6. Invitation to Rest (Matthew 11:28-30)
Jesus invites those who are weary and burdened to come to Him for rest, offering His yoke as easy and His burden as light. The Greek word "anapausis" (ἀνάπαυσις), meaning "rest" or "relief," underscores the spiritual rest found in Christ.
Themes
1. The Question of John the Baptist
John the Baptist, while in prison, sends his disciples to ask Jesus if He is the expected Messiah. This theme highlights the human struggle with doubt and the quest for confirmation of faith. Jesus responds by pointing to His works, fulfilling the Messianic prophecies (Matthew 11:2-6). The Greek word "Christos" (Χριστός) is significant here, meaning "Anointed One," affirming Jesus as the Messiah.

2. Jesus' Testimony about John
Jesus speaks highly of John the Baptist, affirming his role as the prophesied messenger who prepares the way for the Lord (Matthew 11:7-15). This theme underscores the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and the importance of John’s ministry. The term "prophet" (προφήτης) is used to emphasize John's significant role in God's plan.

3. The Rejection of Jesus and John
Jesus compares the current generation to children who are never satisfied, illustrating their rejection of both John’s asceticism and Jesus’ approach (Matthew 11:16-19). This theme highlights the spiritual blindness and stubbornness of the people. The Greek word "genea" (γενεά) refers to a generation, emphasizing the collective attitude of the people.

4. Woe to Unrepentant Cities
Jesus pronounces woes on the cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum for their unrepentance despite witnessing His miracles (Matthew 11:20-24). This theme stresses the seriousness of rejecting Christ and the call to repentance. The Greek word "metanoia" (μετάνοια) for repentance is central, indicating a transformative change of heart.

5. The Revelation to the Humble
Jesus praises the Father for revealing divine truths to the humble and childlike rather than the wise and learned (Matthew 11:25-26). This theme emphasizes the value of humility and the accessibility of God’s wisdom to those with a childlike faith. The Greek word "nepios" (νήπιος) means "infant" or "child," symbolizing simplicity and openness.

6. The Invitation to Rest
Jesus invites all who are weary and burdened to come to Him for rest, offering His yoke as easy and His burden as light (Matthew 11:28-30). This theme highlights the peace and rest found in Christ, contrasting with the heavy burdens of legalism. The Greek word "anapausis" (ἀνάπαυσις) means "rest" or "refreshment," signifying spiritual relief.
Answering Tough Questions
1. In Matthew 11:2–3, why does John the Baptist question Jesus as the Messiah despite previously recognizing Him (Matthew 3)?

2. In Matthew 11:11, how can Jesus call John the greatest born of women yet say the least in the kingdom is greater than John?

3. In Matthew 11:14, Jesus identifies John as Elijah, but John 1:21 records John denying this. Is that a contradiction?

4. In Matthew 11:20–24, is it fair for entire towns to be judged for not believing when miracles done in ancient cities supposedly led to their downfall?

5. In Matthew 11:25–27, why would a loving God hide spiritual truths from “the wise” and reveal them only to “children”?

Bible Study Discussion Questions

1. How do you perceive John the Baptist's doubts about Jesus being the Messiah?

2. How does Jesus' response to John's disciples provide assurance about His identity?

3. What can we learn from Jesus' testimony about John the Baptist?

4. What does Jesus mean by saying the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than John?

5. Why do you think the cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum remained unrepentant despite Jesus' miracles?

6. How does Jesus' lament over these cities affect your understanding of His call to repentance?

7. How do you interpret Jesus' invitation to the weary and burdened?

8. What does the metaphor of Jesus' yoke being easy and His burden light signify?

9. How does this chapter address the issue of doubt in a believer's life?

10. How would you respond to someone who, like John, expresses doubts about Jesus' messianic identity?

11. How do Jesus' actions in this chapter align with Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah?

12. Why do you think Jesus thanked the Father for revealing His truths to the childlike rather than the wise and learned?

13. How does Jesus' rebuke of the unrepentant cities challenge your response to God's call for repentance in your life?

14. What can you learn from Jesus' approach to addressing John's doubts?

15. How does Jesus' invitation to rest apply to your current life situation?

16. How can Jesus' response to John's doubt provide comfort when you experience moments of uncertainty in your faith journey?

17. How do you understand the difference between those in the kingdom of heaven and John the Baptist?

18. How can you practically take on Jesus' yoke and learn from Him in your daily life?

19. What does it mean to be childlike in understanding God's truths?

20. How can we ensure our cities don't become like Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum, in the face of God's miracles and message?



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