Matthew 11:6Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

But this seems hardly reasonable. For John was not in ignorance of His death, but was the first to preach it, saying, Behold the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sins of the world. For thus calling Him the Lamb, he plainly shews forth the Cross; and no otherwise than by the Cross did He take away the sins of the world. Also how is he a greater prophet than these, if he knew not those things which all the prophets knew, for Isaiah says, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter. (Is. 53:7.)

To demonstrate to the disciples of John that their misconceptions were known to Him, He remarked, ‘Blessed is he that shall not be offended in Me,’ as they were plagued by significant uncertainty regarding His identity.

Therefore, consider the following: ‘Blessed is he who is not offended because of Me,’ which reflects the Lord's clear counsel to warn the disciples of John to safeguard them from temptation concerning Him. If one were to argue that the Lord spoke this for John's benefit, we can affirm that just as the previous statement was intended for John, this commendation also pertains to him. The Lord expressed this to guide John's followers, not out of any uncertainty regarding John’s character; indeed, He delivered this message not because John faltered in faith, as further evidence will show. In the discourse that ensues, the Lord does not directly address the inquiries that John sent His way, but after John’s disciples departed, the Gospel records that He began to speak to the crowd about John (Matt. 11:7).

Hence he frames his question thus, Art thou he that is to come? Not, Art Thou he that hast come? And the sense is, Direct me, since I am about to go down into the lower parts of the earth, whether I shall announce Thee to the spirits beneath also; or whether Thou as the Son of God may not taste death, but will send another to this sacrament?

And perhaps the two disciples sent are the two people; those of the Jews, and those of the Gentiles who believed.

He made this statement primarily for the benefit of John's followers, disclosing their innermost thoughts and demonstrating that He was aware of their struggles when they criticized Him for dining with tax collectors and sinners (Matthew 9:14). This was also evident when they openly rebuked Him for indulgence in front of His disciples, as noted in the ninth chapter.

It is indeed certain, that he who as forerunner proclaimed Christ’s coming, as prophet knew Him when He stood before him, and worshipped Him as Confessor when He came to him, could not fall into error from such abundant knowledge. Nor can it be believed that the grace of the Holy Spirit failed him when thrown into prison, seeing He should hereafter minister the light of His power to the Apostles when they were in prison.

But this question may be answered in a better way if we attend to the order of time. At the waters of Jordan he had affirmed that this was the Redeemer of the world after he was thrown into prison, he enquires if this was He that should come—not that he doubted that this was the Redeemer of the world, but he asks that he may know whether He who in His own person had come into the world, would in His own person descend also to the world below.

In addressing the profound doubts and uncertainties nestled within their hearts, drawing them near with His message of love, He proclaimed: "Blessed is the one, like John, whose faith in Me remains unwavering, as firm as that of My forerunner. Blessed is the believer who holds fast to Me, even in the face of My humiliation and My approaching crucifixion." The Lord chose not to cite His customary scripture reference, understanding that His close friend would grasp the weight of His words without it, since Isaiah was a cherished prophet for John. St. Chrysostom noted that if He had declared, "I am indeed the Christ," it might have led them to think like the Jews who previously asserted, "Thou art Thyself a witness of Thyself" (John 8:13).

John’s disciples should have grasped Jesus' response correctly, as He concluded with the words, “Blessed is he who will not be tempted by me,” meaning those who do not doubt that He is the promised one. However, the Evangelists do not clarify whether John's followers truly comprehended His words as intended. Given all they witnessed and heard, it seems that their hearts, which were not fully open to Jesus, should have been deeply moved. Those who had been healed of various ailments, gained sight, or were relieved of burdens, along with the poor in spirit, all proclaimed the glory of Jesus. John's disciples simply needed to embrace this joyful message, and many undoubtedly came to believe in Jesus Christ as the true Messiah; yet not all did so. Some continued to reject Him and, after John's demise, established a separate group.

The disciples encountered Jesus Christ amidst His remarkable acts of Divine compassion, and He directed their attention to these manifestations. To uplift the despondent spirit of the great prophet, the Savior instructed His followers 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.’ Jesus further stated, ‘And blessed is he that shall not be offended in Me,’ indicating that genuine faith in the Messiah should remain steadfast, regardless of unmet personal expectations, a sentiment that may have resonated with John, who likely held a quiet hope for a miracle from the Messiah he had seen liberate him from his severe confinement.

To be tempted concerning someone implies a failure to recognize their dignity, leading to misguided and derogatory perceptions, ultimately resulting in a lack of trust or ridicule directed toward that individual. Blessed is the one who is not led to doubt or reject my teachings due to the humiliation or simplicity of my existence. Blessed is he who, despite the shroud of humility, discerns and acknowledges me as the true Messiah through my actions. This declaration does not pertain to John, who acknowledged me as the true Messiah, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, even when I did not perform miracles. These statements address the temptation faced by the disciples of John.

When the messengers arrived at the presence of the Lord Jesus, He, discerning John's concerns and not responding to the inquiry directly, encouraged them to reflect on His actions; for during that time, as noted by the holy Evangelist Luke, He restored many from illnesses and afflictions, liberated those possessed by unclean spirits, and granted sight to numerous blind individuals. Such remarkable wonders, as prophesied by Isaiah (Is. 35:5-6; Is. 61:1), could only be performed by the Messiah.