Matthew 11:2-5
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This verse isn't just about John hearing news; it highlights the profound vulnerability of even the greatest of prophets. John, who had boldly proclaimed Jesus as the Lamb of God, now grappled with doubt in prison, a testament that faith isn't a constant state but a journey with its own trials. His action of sending his own disciples reveals a deep concern for their wavering faith, showing a shepherd’s heart even in his personal struggle.
Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” And Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them.
English Standard Version (ESV)
John the Baptist, imprisoned by Herod, hears about Jesus' growing ministry and miracles. This prompts John to send two of his own disciples to ask Jesus directly if he is the awaited Messiah, or if they should anticipate someone else. Jesus then sends back a response filled with prophetic signs of his identity, implicitly challenging John's disciples to see the truth for themselves.
Imagine being John the Baptist, the powerful herald of the Messiah, now locked away in a cold prison. What does he hear about Jesus, and why does it matter so much?
Matthew places John the Baptist in prison, a stark contrast to his previous freedom proclaiming God's message. He hears reports of Jesus' 'works' – likely a mix of miracles and teachings. These reports are filtered through his own disciples, who may have begun to question Jesus' identity and mission, especially given John's continued confinement. The scholars suggest John wasn't doubting Jesus himself, but rather using this moment to strengthen his own disciples' faith and clarify Jesus' messianic role for them.
John the Baptist, who pointed Jesus out as the Messiah, now asks, 'Are you the one... or should we wait for another?' What’s really going on?
The commentary strongly emphasizes that John wasn't personally doubting Jesus' identity. He had seen the Spirit descend like a dove and heard God declare Jesus as His Son. Instead, John's question, sent via his disciples, served a dual purpose: 1) To confirm Jesus' messianic identity for his own disciples, who were wavering due to John's imprisonment and Jesus' different approach. 2) To encourage them to direct their allegiance to Jesus, the true 'Bridegroom,' rather than remaining solely attached to John. This highlights the vital role of spiritual leaders in pointing people to Christ, not themselves.
Understand the original words
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Christos · Greek Noun
The Greek title 'Christos,' meaning 'Anointed One,' refers to the promised Messiah of the Old Testament, the One chosen and empowered by God to bring salvation and establish His kingdom.
typhlos · Greek Adjective
A state of physical or spiritual darkness, often used in Scripture to describe those unable to see God’s truth or His redemptive works.
lepros · Greek Noun
In the biblical context, leprosy represents not only a severe skin disease but also a state of ritual impurity and separation from the community, requiring divine intervention for restoration.
ptōchos · Greek Adjective
A theological term referring to those who are socially, economically, or spiritually marginalized and lack the means to save themselves, thereby being uniquely receptive to the grace of God.
euangelizō · Greek Verb
Derived from 'euangelion,' meaning to proclaim the gospel or glad tidings, specifically the message of salvation and the coming of God’s kingdom in Jesus Christ.
John the Baptist, a pivotal figure preparing the way for the Messiah, finds himself imprisoned while Jesus' ministry gains momentum. This passage reveals a moment of human vulnerability and seeking confirmation, even for a prophet like John, as he grapples with Jesus' unfolding work from the confines of a prison cell.
c. AD 27-28
John the Baptist's Ministry Begins
John the Baptist begins his public ministry, preaching repentance and baptizing in the wilderness of Judea. He prepares the way for the coming Messiah.
c. AD 27-28
Jesus' Public Ministry Begins
Jesus is baptized by John and begins his public ministry in Galilee, teaching and performing miracles. His fame starts to spread throughout the region.
c. AD 28
John the Baptist Imprisoned
John the Baptist is imprisoned by Herod Antipas for denouncing his unlawful marriage. He remains in confinement for some time.
c. AD 28— this verse
John Hears of Jesus' Deeds
While in prison, John hears reports about Jesus' powerful works and teachings. This news prompts him to send messengers to Jesus.
c. AD 28
Disciples Question Jesus
John sends two of his disciples to ask Jesus directly if he is the one who is to come, or if they should look for another.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
Jesus is crucified and rises from the dead, fulfilling prophecies and establishing the foundation of the Christian faith.
Jesus directly references these prophecies when answering John's disciples, showing how His miracles are the very signs foretold by Isaiah for the coming Messiah.
Isaiah 61:1This passage, also quoted by Jesus in His response, speaks of proclaiming good news to the poor, highlighting another aspect of the Messiah's mission that John's question implicitly probes.
John 1:33John the Baptist himself had witnessed the Spirit descend on Jesus at His baptism and heard God declare Him the Son. This earlier confirmation makes his current inquiry all the more poignant.
Luke 7:18-23Luke's parallel account provides additional detail on Jesus' response, emphasizing the 'blind see, lame walk, lepers are cleansed, deaf hear, dead are raised, and the poor have the gospel preached to them,' directly linking John's question to Old Testament prophecy.
1 Kings 2:25The phrasing 'sent by his disciples' can echo Old Testament instances where a prophet or king sent a message through an emissary, illustrating the formal nature of John's inquiry and Jesus' authoritative reply.
calvinMatthew 11:1-6: "And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities."
- And it happened that when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, [4] he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities. 2. Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, 3. And said to him, Art thou he who was to come, or do we look for another? 4. And Jesus answeri…
bensonMatthew 11:2: "Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples,"
Matthew 11:2-6 . Now when John had heard in the prison (into which he had been cast by Herod Antipas, a little after he began his public ministry, chap. Matthew 4:12 , and Matthew 14:3 , &c.) of the works of Christ — That is, of some of his many miracles, &c. — He sent two of his disciples — Not, as is probable, because he doubted himself, but to confirm their faith. And said, Art thou he th…
This verse isn't just about John hearing news; it highlights the profound vulnerability of even the greatest of prophets. John, who had boldly proclaimed Jesus as the Lamb of God, now grappled with doubt in prison, a testament that faith isn't a constant state but a journey with its own trials. His action of sending his own disciples reveals a deep concern for their wavering faith, showing a shepherd’s heart even in his personal struggle.
John the Baptist, imprisoned by Herod, hears about Jesus' growing ministry and miracles. This prompts John to send two of his own disciples to ask Jesus directly if he is the awaited Messiah, or if they should anticipate someone else. Jesus then sends back a response filled with prophetic signs of his identity, implicitly challenging John's disciples to see the truth for themselves.
John the Baptist, imprisoned by Herod, hears about Jesus' growing ministry and miracles. This prompts John to send two of his own disciples to ask Jesus directly if he is the awaited Messiah, or if they should anticipate someone else. Jesus then sends back a response filled with prophetic signs of his identity, implicitly challenging John's disciples to see the truth for themselves.
"Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” And Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: t…" — This verse isn't just about John hearing news; it highlights the profound vulnerability of even the greatest of prophets. John, who had boldly proclaimed Jesus as the Lamb of God, now grappled with d…
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Last reviewed October 2026
