Again, Jesus Said,

prophesied until John…Matthew 11:13

Jesus often said some curious things. Among them, is what He said about John the Baptist, Matthew 11. 

John was in prison. Jesus is approached by some of John’s followers who ask Jesus, “Are you the Coming One, or do we look for another?” verse 3. Jesus answered, “Go and tell John the things which you hear and see.” verse 4. Strange. Instead of answering the way they expected, “Yes.” Jesus answered by what He expected. That they would know what the prophets had said of the Coming One are completed in Him. Jesus often did the unexpected. 

But He did not send them away empty, Jesus said, “The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the ted are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me, verses 5 & 6. They departed, verse 7. Presumably to tell John what they had seen and heard, just as Jesus said. The words of Jesus should not be taken lightly.

Then Jesus complimented John to those who remained, verses 7 thru 19. During which, Jesus quotes from the prophets. From Malachi 3:1 in verse 10. John is the Elijah who is to come from Malachi 4:5. From Isaiah 29:18 and Isaiah 35:4-6 in verse 5. Also from Isaiah 61:1 and Psalm 22:26 in verse 5.  And He refers to Isaiah 8:14 in verse 6. The disciples of John should have known the words of the prophets. They should have known the words and works of Jesus conformed to the predictions of the prophets. Therefore, Jesus says, Go tell John the things which you hear and see. Jesus does not waste words.

The prophets before John spoke of things to come. John spoke of things which are now present: “Behold the Lamb of God.” Normally the law is mentioned first, “the law and the prophets.” But Jesus is speaking of a prophet, John, so prophets are mentioned first. The time of the prophets is closing. The object of their prophecy is here in Jesus, the Christ. John spoke in plain terms: “who takes away the sin of the world.” 

Jesus says, “He who has ears to hear. Let him hear!” Verse 13. God only requires that we use the gifts He has given. God has given us ears, so listen. God has given us eyes, so see. God has given us a brain, so understand. John pointed to and pointed out Jesus as the Christ to come, who would take away our sin. Those who refuse willfully remain ignorant, deaf, and blind.