Matthew 11:6 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.”

NIV: Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.'

NASB: And blessed is any person who does not take offense at Me.'

CSB: and blessed is the one who isn't offended by me."

NLT: And he added, 'God blesses those who do not fall away because of me. '

KJV: And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.

NKJV: And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.”

Jesus has answered John the Baptist's tough question very specifically. John had sent a message to Jesus from prison (Matthew 4:12) through his disciples. He seems to wonder if Jesus is truly the Messiah (Matthew 11:1–3). Jesus responded by connecting His healing miracles and preaching to prophecies from Isaiah (Matthew 11:4–5).

John probably expected the Messiah to quickly bring God's judgment on those in Israel who had not repented of their sin, as well as Israel's oppressors. His question might have been an expression of doubt. Or, it might have been a way to express confusion—as if saying, "Jesus, are you going to do these things, or not?"

This was a common misunderstanding of Jesus' followers prior to His crucifixion and resurrection (Matthew 16:21–23; John 2:22). Jesus has shown that the Messiah will come with healing and hope, as well as the promise of God's judgment.

Jesus concludes His answer to John's disciples by declaring "blessed" the one who "does not fall away." This phrase in Greek is hos ean mē skandalisthē en emoi. This can also be translated as "the one who does not take offense at Me," as in the NASB. There is a connection here to the English term "scandalize:" Jesus is subtly warning not to give up belief because He doesn't immediately meet a person's expectations. Assumptions are part of our fallible nature, and can be wrong.

Jesus is the only way to God the Father (John 14:6), but He is also the stumbling block that people will trip over in their attempts to reach God because they do not believe that He is the Christ (Isaiah 8:14; Romans 9:33). Many people, both in Jesus' era and today, reject God specifically because He does not fit their preferences or their demands.

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.