Matthew 11 Scofield
Read Matthew 11 · Matthew Henry on Matthew 11
11:11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
“greater”
Positionally greater, not morally. John the Baptist was as great morally, as any man "born of woman," but as to the kingdom he but announced it at hand. The kingdom did not then come, but was rejected, and John was martyred, and the King presently crucified. The least in the kingdom when it is set up in glory (see "Kingdom (N.T.)") Luke 1:31–33; 1 Cor 15:24 will be in the fullness of power and glory. It is not heaven which is in question, but Messiah's kingdom. (See Scofield "Matt 3:2"). See Scofield "Matt 6:33".
“kingdom”
(See Scofield "Matt 3:2")
11:12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.
“suffereth violence”
It has been much disputed whether the "violence" here is external, as against the kingdom in the persons of John the Baptist and Jesus; or that, considering the opposition of the scribes and Pharisees, only the violently resolute would press into it. Both things are true. The King and His herald suffered violence, and this is the primary and greater meaning, but also, some were resolutely becoming disciples. CF Luke 16:16.
11:14 And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come.
“this is Elias”
(See Scofield "Matt 17:10"). Also, Matt 17:12; Mal 4:5
11:18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil.
“devil”
demon.
(See Scofield "Matt 7:22").
11:19 The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.
“Son of man”
(See Scofield "Matt 8:20").
“sinners”
Sin. (See Scofield "Rom 3:23").
11:20 Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not:
“Then”
The kingdom of heaven announced as "at hand" by John the Baptist, by the King Himself, and by the twelve, and attested by mighty works, has been morally rejected. The places chosen for the testing of the nation, Chorazin, Bethsaida, etc. having rejected both John and Jesus, the rejected King now speaks of judgment. The final official rejection is later. Matt 27:31–37.
For Another Point of View: See Topic 301190
For Additional Factors See Topic 301199
11:23 And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.
“hell”
(See Scofield "Luke 16:23").
11:27 All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.
“All things”
Kingdom, (See Scofield "Matt 12:3").
11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
“Come”
The new message of Jesus. The rejected King now turns from the rejecting nation and offers, not the kingdom, but rest and service to such in the nation as are conscious of the need. It is a pivotal point in the ministry of Jesus.
Public domain (1917). Text from the BibleSupport.com e-Sword module.
11:6 And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.
“blessed”
In prison, the King rejected, John's faith wavers; the Lord exhorts and encourages His servant. Cf. John 15:20; Isa 42:3.