Matthew 11:4Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Christ, delving into John's understanding, chose not to declare, “I am,” for although He could have, such a declaration might have been unsettling for His listeners. Instead, He allowed them to draw conclusions based on the situations they witnessed. The evangelist notes that when the disciples approached Jesus, He was engaged in healing many. What would have been the coherence of remaining silent and then immediately commencing to heal, were it not for Christ's intent to convey the message I have mentioned? Actions were regarded as more compelling and credible than mere words.

He did not instruct them to say to John, ‘I am the One who is to come,’ but rather, aware that John had sent his disciples to witness signs and wonders, He says: “report to John what you observe.” In response, John will undoubtedly seize this chance and further testify about Me to you.

If the deeds that I perform did not validate the statements made by John, his discussions regarding Me would be completely untrue. However, because they are indeed accurate and reliable, do not merely accept their words but grasp their significance.

John, through his disciples, inquires: Are you the expected Messiah, or should we look for someone else? In response, Christ reveals the wonders at hand, addressing the doubts raised by those who were sent rather than the specific question posed. He instructs them to go back to John and share the miraculous signs they observe: the blind receiving sight, the lame being restored to health, and other miraculous acts. Furthermore, he emphasizes an equally significant point: the message of salvation is brought to the poor. This can refer to the spiritually impoverished or those lacking material wealth, illustrating that there is no division between the rich and the poor, the esteemed and the lowly, in the dissemination of the Gospel. Through these statements, the unwavering commitment of the teacher and the fidelity of the guide are evident, as all who are capable of salvation are regarded equally by Him.

Ultimately, reflect on the striking resemblance between their thoughts and expressions. Just as John initially inquired through his followers, “Are you the One who is to come, or should we expect another?” (Matt. 11:3), he truly signaled to his disciples, “Go, observe, and have faith, for there is no other who is to come but Him.” Similarly, Christ, when He first responded to John, instructed, “Go, tell John that the blind receive their sight, the deaf hear, and blessed is the one who is not offended by Me” (Matt. 11:4-6). He actually conveyed to John's disciples, “Behold, see and understand that the blind receive sight and the deaf hear, and blessed is the one who is not led astray because of Me.” What does it signify: what do you hear and perceive?

After carrying out numerous miracles, Jesus instructed them, "Go and inform John about what you hear and witness. Recall the ancient prophecy of Isaiah: Behold your God... He will come to rescue you. Then the eyes of the blind will be opened, and the ears of the deaf will hear. The lame will leap like a deer, and the mute will sing joyfully... The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon Me, for the Lord has anointed Me to proclaim good news to the poor, to bind up the brokenhearted, to announce freedom to the captives, and to proclaim the opening of the prison for those who are bound." (Isaiah 35:4-6; Isaiah 61:1).

The inquiry was framed in a manner that seemed to invite a brief affirmation: ‘Yes, I am the One who is to come.’ However, if Jesus Christ had responded in this way, the disciples of John might not have believed Him, perceiving it as self-testimony. Instead of a direct response, Jesus performed numerous miracles in the presence of the disciples sent to Him, so they would recognize that His deeds were evidence of His identity. Jesus’ reply indicated to those sent by John that the miracles He performed were foretold by Isaiah as signs of the Messiah’s work: “Say to the timid of heart, ‘Be steadfast, do not be afraid; behold your God, vengeance is coming, the recompense of God is coming; He will come and save you.

The followers of Jesus encountered Him amid remarkable demonstrations of His Divine compassion, and He directed their attention to these manifestations. To renew the spirit of the great prophet who was feeling disheartened, the Savior instructed His disciples to convey to John what they had witnessed and heard: that ‘the blind receive sight and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up and the poor have the Gospel preached to them.’ Moreover, Christ stated, ‘And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me,’ indicating that authentic faith in the Messi

"Tell John": The one who sends a question also provides an answer, though, as previously mentioned, it was not John who required this authenticating response, but rather his followers. - "What you hear and see," etc.: In the Gospel of Luke, it is noted that during this time Jesus healed many from illnesses, freed individuals from unclean spirits, and restored sight to numerous blind people (Matt. 7:21). By highlighting these miracles, the Lord affirmatively responds to John's inquiry, confirming that He is indeed the awaited One, the Messiah. Such works must occur according to the prophecies found in Isaiah (Isaiah 35:5 and following; Isaiah 61:1 and following), which declare the Messiah's deeds.

When the messengers arrived to see the Lord Jesus, He, understanding John's thoughts and not addressing their inquiry directly, left it to them to witness the deeds themselves. The holy Evangelist Luke recounts that during this time, He healed many who were afflicted with illnesses and injuries, liberated those possessed by evil spirits, and restored sight to numerous blind individuals. These remarkable acts, as foretold by the prophet Isaiah, could only be performed by the Messiah (Is. 35:5-6; Is. 61:1).