Matthew 11:13 - Printer Friendly

ESV: For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John,

NIV: For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John.

NASB: For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John.

CSB: For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.

NLT: For before John came, all the prophets and the law of Moses looked forward to this present time.

KJV: For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.

NKJV: For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.

"The Prophets and the Law" are what we now call the Old Testament Scriptures. The law is God's specific instructions for the nation of Israel; these are mostly found in the Law of Moses: the first five books of the Bible. "The Prophets" includes the writings of all of God's hand-picked messengers: men like Isaiah, Daniel, and Ezekiel, who delivered His words to His people and others.

Jesus states now that all those writings pointed forward to the last prophet of that era: John the Baptist, who prepared the way for the Messiah (Malachi 3:1). Once John introduced Jesus to the world as the "one who is to come" (Matthew 11:3), those prophecies were fulfilled. Predictions about the coming of the Messiah were active "until John;" he ushered in the age of the Messiah and the nearness of the kingdom.

Matthew 11:1–19 deals with John the Baptist, who is in prison at this point (Matthew 4:12). John sends his own disciples to ask if Jesus is really the Messiah. Jesus gives them an answer and then upholds John to the crowds. He reminds them of John's strength and affirms that John was the prophet who fulfilled the prophecy about the one who would prepare the way for the Messiah. This generation, though, rejected John's message of repentance, saying that John had a demon and that Jesus was a glutton and a drunkard. Jesus insists He and John will be proved right in the end.

John the Baptist sends his disciples to ask if Jesus is really the Messiah. Jesus gives them a specific answer to use to reassure John and then upholds John to the crowds. John fulfills the prophecy about the one who would prepare the people for the Messiah. This generation, though, refused to hear John or Jesus, deciding John had a demon and Jesus was a glutton and drunkard. Jesus condemns the cities that refuse to repent and thanks the Father for revealing the truth to little children. He offers rest for those who are weary and burdened.

Matthew 11 follows Jesus' instructions to the apostles about taking His message and miracles to the towns of Israel with His own continued ministry of teaching (Matthew 10). Jesus answers a question from John the Baptist's followers, and upholds John's ministry. Jesus condemns several cities in Galilee for rejecting His teaching, despite obvious signs. He thanks His Father for hiding the truth from those who arrogantly think they are wise. He offers rest for those who will take His yoke. This leads to further confrontations with critics, recorded in chapter 12.

The Gospel of Matthew clearly shows the influence of its writer's background, and his effort to reach a specific audience. Matthew was one of Jesus' twelve disciples, a Jewish man, and a former tax collector. This profession would have required literacy, and Matthew may have transcribed some of Jesus' words as they were spoken. This book is filled with references to the Old Testament, demonstrating to Israel that Jesus is the Promised One. Matthew also includes many references to coins, likely due to his former profession. Matthew records extensive accounts of Jesus' teaching, more than the other three Gospels.

Accessed 5/6/2024 9:49:25 AM