“the
blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them.”
Matthew 11:4-5
Matthew 11 [1.] When Jesus had finished directing his twelve disciples, he departed from there to teach and preach in their cities. Now when John heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples and said to him, “Are you he who comes, or should we look for another?”
Matthew 11 [4.] Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. Blessed is he who finds no occasion for stumbling in me.”
Matthew 11 [7.] As these went their way, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning John, “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? But what did you go out to see? A man in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in king’s houses. But why did you go out? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and much more than a prophet. For this is he, of whom it is written, ‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.’”
Meaning:
- Jesus' Response to John's Disciples:
John the Baptist, while in prison, sent his disciples to inquire if Jesus was the Messiah they had been expecting. In response, Jesus directs them to observe the tangible evidence of His ministry, inviting them to "tell John the things which you hear and see."
- Manifestation of Miracles:
The subsequent verses list specific miracles as signs of Jesus' messiahship:
The Blind Receive Their Sight: Restoration of physical sight symbolizes both physical and spiritual illumination. It aligns with messianic prophecies, such as in Isaiah 35:5, foretelling the eyes of the blind being opened.
The Lame Walk: Healing the lame demonstrates Jesus' power over physical disabilities, reminiscent of Isaiah 35:6, where the lame leap like a deer.
The Lepers Are Cleansed: Cleansing lepers signifies not only physical healing but also the restoration of social and religious standing, echoing Leviticus 14.
The Deaf Hear: Restoration of hearing underscores the broader theme of spiritual receptivity, aligning with Isaiah 35:5's mention of the ears of the deaf being unstopped.
The Dead Are Raised Up: Raising the dead is a profound demonstration of divine authority over life and death. It anticipates Jesus' own resurrection and aligns with messianic expectations (Isaiah 26:19; Daniel 12:2).
The Poor Have Good News Preached to Them: Proclaiming good news to the poor emphasizes Jesus' concern for the marginalized and aligns with Isaiah 61:1, where the Messiah brings good news to the oppressed.
Significance:
Fulfillment of Messianic Prophecies: Matthew 11:4-5 is a compelling declaration of Jesus fulfilling messianic prophecies from the Old Testament. His miracles serve as tangible evidence that He is indeed the promised Messiah who brings restoration, healing, and the proclamation of good news.
Compassion for the Vulnerable: Jesus' emphasis on preaching good news to the poor reflects His compassion for the marginalized. This aligns with the overarching theme of Jesus' ministry, where He consistently reaches out to those society often neglects.
Verification Through Miracles: The miracles listed by Jesus are not merely displays of power; they serve as tangible proofs of His divine authority. They authenticate His identity as the long-awaited Messiah, reinforcing the idea that His works speak louder than words.
Cross References:
Isaiah 61:1: The proclamation of good news to the poor echoes, "The Lord Yahweh’s Spirit is on me, because Yahweh has anointed me to proclaim good news to the humble. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to those who are bound."
Isaiah 35:5-6: Foretells aspects of Jesus' miracles, "Then the eyes of the blind will be opened, and the ears of the deaf will be unstopped. Then the lame will leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute will sing."
In Conclusion: Matthew 11:4-5 serves as a comprehensive response to John the Baptist's inquiry, offering a mosaic of miracles that affirm Jesus as the Messiah. These verses provide a foundation for understanding the nature of Jesus' ministry and His compassion for those in need. As we reflect on these words, we are invited to embrace the transformative power of Jesus, who fulfills prophecies and extends hope to the most vulnerable.
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible