And Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see:
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus doesn't directly answer John the Baptist's question with words, but rather points to the ongoing, observable actions of his ministry, emphasizing that the evidence itself, when compared to prophecy, is the most powerful testimony. This subtle redirection shows that true understanding often comes not from abstract declarations, but from witnessing divine compassion in action, particularly towards those often overlooked by society.
And Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see:
English Standard Version (ESV)
John the Baptist, imprisoned and facing his own mortality, sends messengers to Jesus with a crucial question: "Are you the one we've been waiting for, or should we look for someone else?" In response, Jesus doesn't give a direct yes or no but directs the messengers to observe and report back on the very miracles and teachings that fulfill ancient prophecies about the Messiah.
When John the Baptist, a prophet of God, found himself in prison and questioning, how did Jesus respond? Not with a lengthy explanation, but with an instruction to observe.
Jesus directs John's messengers to 'Go and tell John what you hear and see.' This highlights the power of direct observation and personal testimony. Instead of simply telling John 'Yes, I am the Messiah,' Jesus points to the tangible evidence of His ministry. This approach underscores that true understanding often comes from witnessing the impact of God's work firsthand. The miracles themselves—blind seeing, lame walking—are powerful witnesses to Jesus's divine identity and mission.
John the Baptist's expectation of the Messiah likely involved a powerful, perhaps even forceful, intervention. Yet, Jesus's response points to something different, something deeply counter-cultural.
Jesus specifically draws attention to the fact that 'the poor have the gospel preached to them.' This wasn't just a side effect; it was a core element of the Messiah's mission, fulfilling prophecy (Isaiah 61:1). The religious and philosophical elites of the day often overlooked the poor and marginalized. Jesus, however, prioritized them. This shows that the Kingdom of God is not exclusive but inclusive, reaching out to those society deems unimportant. It's a radical redefinition of divine power – not just in spectacular miracles, but in compassion and good news for the forgotten.
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John the Baptist, a pivotal figure and Jesus' forerunner, finds himself in prison. Doubts, perhaps stemming from his own difficult circumstances or the unexpected nature of Jesus' ministry, lead him to send messengers to Jesus. Jesus' response isn't a simple 'yes,' but an appeal to the observable signs of His messianic work, fulfilling prophecy and demonstrating compassion, especially for the marginalized.
c. AD 27-28
John the Baptist's Ministry Begins
John the Baptist, Jesus' cousin, begins preaching in the Judean wilderness, calling for repentance and announcing the imminent arrival of the Messiah.
c. AD 28
Jesus' Baptism and Temptation
Jesus is baptized by John and then spends 40 days in the wilderness, where He is tempted by Satan.
c. AD 28-29
Jesus' Early Ministry in Galilee
Jesus begins His public ministry, calling disciples, teaching in synagogues, and performing miracles like healing the sick and casting out demons.
c. AD 29
John the Baptist Imprisoned
John is imprisoned by Herod Antipas for denouncing his unlawful marriage to Herodias.
c. AD 29— this verse
John's Disciples Inquire About Jesus
While in prison, John hears about Jesus' ministry and sends his disciples to ask Jesus if He is the one who was to come, or if they should look for another.
c. AD 29
Jesus Sends His Answer to John
Jesus responds to John's inquiry by pointing to the miracles He is performing – blind seeing, lame walking, lepers cleansed, deaf hearing, dead raised, and the poor receiving the good news – which are signs of the Messiah's coming.
This passage from Isaiah prophesies many of the same signs Jesus points to (healing the blind, deaf, lame, and mute), directly linking these miracles to the coming of the Messiah and the establishment of God's kingdom.
Luke 7:22This parallel account in Luke's Gospel includes the same message from Jesus to John's disciples, emphasizing the healing of the sick and raising of the dead as evidence of Jesus' identity.
John 3:2This verse records John the Baptist himself testifying that the people came to him and said, 'Rabbi, he who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you bore witness—look, he is baptizing and all are going to him!' This shows the context of Jesus' growing ministry and John's role as a precursor.
Matthew 11:5-6This verse directly follows the one you provided and details the 'things which ye do hear and see' that Jesus wants John to know, specifically mentioning the healing of the blind, lame, lepers, deaf, dead, and the preaching of the gospel to the poor. It is the specific content of the answer Jesus gives.
barnesMatthew 11:4: "Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see:"
Go and show John again ... - Jesus referred them for an answer to these miracles. They were proof that he was the Messiah. Prophets had indeed performed miracles, but no prophet had performed so many, or any so important. Jesus, moreover, performed them "in his own name" and by his own power. Prophets had done it by the power of God. Jesus, therefore, performed the works which none b…
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…
Jesus doesn't directly answer John the Baptist's question with words, but rather points to the ongoing, observable actions of his ministry, emphasizing that the evidence itself, when compared to prophecy, is the most powerful testimony. This subtle redirection shows that true understanding often comes not from abstract declarations, but from witnessing divine compassion in action, particularly towards those often overlooked by society.
John the Baptist, imprisoned and facing his own mortality, sends messengers to Jesus with a crucial question: "Are you the one we've been waiting for, or should we look for someone else?" In response, Jesus doesn't give a direct yes or no but directs the messengers to observe and report back on the very miracles and teachings that fulfill ancient prophecies about the Messiah.
John the Baptist, imprisoned and facing his own mortality, sends messengers to Jesus with a crucial question: "Are you the one we've been waiting for, or should we look for someone else?" In response, Jesus doesn't give a direct yes or no but directs the messengers to observe and report back on the very miracles and teachings that fulfill ancient prophecies about the Messiah.
"And Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see:" — Jesus doesn't directly answer John the Baptist's question with words, but rather points to the ongoing, observable actions of his ministry, emphasizing that the evidence itself, when compared to prop…
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Last reviewed October 2026