FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR'S INTENT AT THE PARAGRAPH LEVEL
This is a study guide commentary which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
Read the chapter in one sitting. Identify the subjects. Compare your subject divisions with the five translations above. Paragraphing is not inspired, but it is the key to following the original author's intent, which is the heart of interpretation. Every paragraph has one and only one subject.
1. First paragraph
2. Second paragraph
3. Third paragraph
4. Etc.
BACKGROUND TO MATTHEW Mat_11:1-30
A. This chapter has often been described as unrelated stories, but the unifying factor seems to be the answer to the question, "Why was Jesus' ministry not more outwardly successful?"
B. John the Baptist is a central character in this chapter (cf. Joh_1:6-8; Joh_1:19-36). He was the last of the Old Testament prophets (cf. Mat_11:9).
C. Isaiah lists several actions by which the Jews could recognize the Messiah, of whom John the Baptist was forerunner (i.e., Isa_40:3; Mal_3:1; Mal_4:5 b). These are the very actions of Jesus recorded in Matthew 8, 9.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
This is a study guide commentary which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought provoking, not definitive.
1. Why did John the Baptist doubt that Jesus was the promised coming Messiah?
2. Why did Jesus say that John the Baptist was not in the new kingdom of God?
3. How does Mat_11:17 apply to Jesus and John the Baptist?
4. Will there be degrees of punishment?
5. Does Jesus invite all men to come unto Him or just certain chosen ones?
6. Define the terms "burden" and "yoke" in their cultural/religious setting.