Matthew 11 - Introduction

CHAPTER 11.

JESUS JUDGED BY AND JUDGING HIS CONTEMPORARIES.

We are not to suppose any close connection in time between the events related in this chapter and the Galilean mission. The reverse is implied in the vague introductory statement, that when Jesus had completed His instructions to the Twelve He went away on a teaching and preaching tour among the towns. The important thing is to realise that all that is related here must have taken place after there had been time for the methods, aims, spirit, and way of life of Jesus to manifest themselves, and so to become the subject of general remark. It was a matter of course that a man of such depth, originality, unconventionality, energy and fearless independence would sooner or latter provoke criticism of all shades; from mild, honest doubt, to decided reprobation. However popular at first, He must become at last comparatively isolated. By the time the events here related occurred, the reaction had fully set in, and the narrative shows how extensive it was, embracing within its sphere of influence the best in the land represented by the Baptist; the commercial class represented by three cities named; the professional class the “wise and understanding”; and the zealots in religion.