Matthew 11
SIBMatthew 11:2-5
Though his own long confinement, and the low figure which Christ made in the world, were great trials of John’s belief of his being the true Messiah, yet it was probably more for the satisfaction of his disciples than for his own that he now sent them to Christ: and Christ refers them to the works which they saw him do as unanswerable proofs of his true Messiahship
Matthew 11:6
Blessed only is he, who, upon the evidence I give, is so well satisfied of my 112 124* divinity and Messiahship, that no prejudices nor discouragements can make him reject or disown me
Matthew 11:7-13
John, whom ye heard preach in the wilderness of Judea, was no unstable pleaser of men, no delicate gentlemen, but an inspired prophet, and greater than all his predecessors, since he pointed me out as already come in the flesh: and yet every gospel minister will be still more honourable, having much clearer views of my person, obedience and sufferings, grace and glory, and of the spiritual design of my kingdom.—Since John began to preach, great multitudes have crowded to hear the gospel; and many, even publicans and other notorious sinners, have, with eagerness and vehemence, sought after the gracious and saving blessings of it: and my coming, and blessings, represented by Moses and the prophets as future and distant, are now considered as present
Matthew 11:16-19
The body of the Jews, now living, are so senseless, peevisib, and perverse, that they relish no form of instruction, whether mournful or cheerful. John Baptist recommended his doctrine of humiliation and repentance by a severe and solitary life of fasting and self-denial; and they, instead of mourning with him for their sins, reproached him as a sullen, unsociable man, possessed by the devil. And when I, the Messiah, recommended my glad tidings of salvation by a more free, friendly, and social, conversation, they reproached me as a gluttonous and drunken companion of the vilest miscreants. But, let envy and malice suggest what they will, the wisdom of God in these doctrines, and in the manner of manifesting them, and I as the Messiah, are, and will be, approved, attested, and vindicated, in and by every true believer
Matthew 11:20-24
Christ does not affirm that the extremely wicked inhabitants of Tyre, Sidon, and Sodom, would have repented after a godly sort, but so as to prevent the fearful judgments which came upon them. 25, 26. In thy high sovereignty, and that none may glory in himself, thou hast savingly manifested the doctrines and blessings of the gospel, not to men famous for learning and worldly policy, but to the lowest, plainest, and weakest of men. 10 Q 27—30. Since my Father, who alone fully knows my nature, character, and work, and whom I fully know and savingly manifest, has intrusted to my care and management all persons and things relative to the redemption of men, I invite and call every one that labours in, or is laden with, guilt, corruption, burdensome ceremonies, or attempts after legal righteousness, to receive me and my full salvation by faith, as the only effectual means of rest and relief. And, since I am gracious, gentle, and condescending, yield yourselves to my instructions and influence, and follow my example, that ye may find refreshment and satisfaction to your souls. For my service is perfect freedom; my commands, particularly under the gospel dispensation, are not grievous; and I will lay no burdens upon my disciples which I will not enable them to bear
REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XI.—Graciously God raises up one minister when he has removed another. And all faithful preachers lead their hearers only to Christ and his truths. Yea, Jesus takes delight in honouring them who honour God; and in satisfying a humble, though doubting, faith, while wilful obstinacy is confounded. It is not outward splendours, but eminent gifts, graces, and faithfulness, that truly commend preachers. And it adds to their honour if by their means poor sinners be cast into the mould of the gospel, or multitudes awakened to an earnest concern about their salvation. But let faithful ministers behave as they will, they must expect reproach and persecution. Nor can the best qualified and most diligent effectually convert their hearers. But, alas, tremendous and infinite is their danger who obstinately rebel against the light and grace of the gospel, stumble at their Redeemer, abuse the means of his grace, and insolently reproach him and his servants! Redoubled vengeance must be their everlasting portion. Let Britain, let my soul, think and tremble. But O how delightful and unbounded are the fitness and fulness of Christ to save sinners, even the chief! And that not by natural qualifications, or by works of righteousness, but according to his own and his Father’s rich and sovereign grace. Yet tender, extensive, and free, are his invitations of self-destroyed and self-deceiving sinners to himself; and full are his assurances of salvation directed to them. Yea, the views of his love and influences of his Spirit render their service pleasant, and make his cross easy and light in the way to their glorious crown