In J.C. Ryle's "Expository Thoughts on Matthew 11:1-15," the theological focus centers on the significance of John the Baptist's role as a precursor to Christ and the nature of true faith and assurance among believers. Ryle articulates that John’s inquiry to Jesus, while seemingly questioning, was intended to reinforce the faith of his disciples by leading them to Christ’s testimony regarding His divine mission. He invokes Matthew 11:3, highlighting that John’s ministry culminated in the direct declaration of Christ as the Messiah, validating John’s prophetic honor as unparalleled in history. Furthermore, Ryle emphasizes Jesus' commendation of John in verses 11-14, which serves to comfort and inspire believers about Christ’s recognition of their faithfulness and labor. This passage not only underscores the essential role of church leaders in directing their followers to Christ but also reassures Christians of their value in God's eyes and the eternal consequences of their service.
Key Quotes
“The chief concern should be about the souls of those they are going to leave behind them.”
“Among those who are born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptizer.”
“He was a self-denying preacher of repentance who would risk the anger of a king rather than not reprove his sins.”
“Let us remember there is One who daily records all we do for Him and sees more beauty in His servants' work than His servants do themselves.”
What does the Bible say about John the Baptist's character?
The Bible portrays John the Baptist as the greatest man born of women, a bold witness of the truth, and more than a prophet.
Matthew 11:1-15, John 1:29
How do we know Jesus is the Messiah?
Jesus confirms His identity as the Messiah through His works, including healing and preaching the Gospel.
Matthew 11:2-6, Isaiah 35:5-6
Why is John's ministry important for Christians?
John's ministry is crucial as it prepares hearts for the coming of Christ and exemplifies faithful witness.
Isaiah 40:3, John 1:29
The first thing that demands our attention in this passage, is the message which John the Baptist sends to our Lord Jesus Christ. He "sent two of his disciples and said to him, "Are you he who comes, or should we look for another?"
This question did not arise from doubt or unbelief on the part of John. We do that holy man injustice, if we interpret it in such a way. It was put for the benefit of his disciples. It was meant to give them an opportunity of hearing from Christ's own lips, the evidence of His divine mission. No doubt John the Baptist felt that his own ministry was ended. Something within him told him that he would never come forth from Herod's prison-house, but would surely die. He remembered the ignorant jealousies that had already been shown by his disciples towards the disciples of Christ. He took the most likely course to dispel those jealousies forever. He sent his followers to "hear and see" forthemselves.
The conduct of John the Baptist in this matter affords a striking example to ministers, teachers, and parents, when they draw near the end of their course. Their chief concern should be about the souls of those they are going to leave behind them. Their great desire should be to persuade them to cleave to Christ. The death of those who have guided and instructed us on earth ought always to have this effect. It should make us lay hold more firmly on Him who dies no more, "continues ever," and "has an unchangeable priesthood." (Heb. 7:24.)
The second thing that demands our notice in this passage, is the high testimony which our Lord bears to the character of John the Baptist. No mortal man ever received such commendation as Jesus here bestows on His imprisoned friend. "Among those who are born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptizer." In time past John had boldly confessed Jesus before men, as the Lamb of God. Now Jesus openly declares John to be more than a prophet.
There were some, no doubt, who were disposed to think lightly of John Baptist, partly from ignorance of the nature of his ministry, partly from misunderstanding the question he had sent to ask. Our Lord Jesus silences such cavilers by the declaration he here makes. He tells them not to suppose that John was a timid, vacillating, unstable man, "a reed shaken by the wind." If they thought so, they were utterly mistaken. He was a bold, unflinching witness to the truth. He tells them not to suppose that John was at heart a worldly man, fond of king's courts, and delicate living. If they thought so, they greatly erred. He was a self-denying preacher of repentance, who would risk the anger of a king, rather than not reprove his sins. In short, He would have them know that John was "more than a prophet." He was one to whom God had given more honor than to all the Old Testament prophets. They indeed prophesied of Christ, but died without seeing Him. John not only prophesied of Him, but saw Him face to face. They foretold that the days of the Son of man would certainly come, and the Messiah appear. John was an actual eye- witness of those days, and an honored instrument in preparing men for them. To them it was given to predict that Messiah would be "led as a lamb to the slaughter," and "cut off." To John it was given to point to Him, and say, "Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world."
There is something very beautiful and comforting to true Christians in this testimony which our Lord bears to John. It shows us the tender interest whichour great Head feels in the lives and characters of all His members. It shows us what honor He is ready to put on all the work and labor that they go through in His cause. It is a sweet foretaste of the confession which He will make of them before the assembled world, when He presents them faultless at the last day before His Father's throne.
Do we know what it is to work for Christ? Have we ever felt cast down and dispirited, as if we were doing no good, and no one cared for us? Are we ever tempted to feel, when laid aside by sickness, or withdrawn by providence, "I have labored in vain, and spent my strength for nothing?" Let us meet such thoughts by the recollection of this passage. Let us remember, there is One who daily records all we do for Him, and sees more beauty in His servants' work than His servants do themselves. The same tongue which bore testimony to John in prison, will bear testimony to all his people at the last day. He will say, "Come, blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world." And then shall His faithful witnesses discover, to their wonder and surprise, that there never was a word spoken on their Master's behalf, which does not receive a reward.
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