Matthew 11:4-5
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Jesus doesn't just tell John's disciples what he's doing, but that they should report what they hear and see. This subtle distinction emphasizes that John should trust his own messengers' firsthand experience and the divine signs they witness, rather than relying on a mere verbal report.
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 and facing his own mortality, sends messengers to Jesus to ask if He is the long-awaited Messiah. In response, Jesus directs John's disciples to report back what they are witnessing: miracles like healing the blind and lame, and the good news of the kingdom being preached to the poor.
When we question, what kind of answer do we expect? Jesus didn't offer a long explanation, but a direct command: 'Go and tell John what you hear and see.'
Jesus's response to John the Baptist's messengers is a masterclass in demonstrating truth. Instead of getting defensive or launching into a theological debate, Jesus points to the undeniable evidence of His actions.
Miracles as Messengers
Jesus trusts that the evidence of His ministry, when seen and heard, will speak for itself, confirming His identity as the promised Christ.
Ask a follow-up
John the Baptist, a powerful prophet, was in prison. Why would he send messengers to ask if Jesus was the Messiah? It wasn't necessarily a crisis of faith, but a crucial pastoral moment.
While John the Baptist might have had personal moments of doubt or seeking confirmation, the primary motivation for his question appears to be his disciples.
Strengthening the Flock
John's question, therefore, served as a catalyst for his disciples' understanding and a testament to his selfless leadership, always pointing others to Christ.
Understand the original words
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's imprisonment and subsequent questioning highlight the tension between the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the often unexpected, non-violent nature of Jesus' messianic work, challenging preconceived notions of the Messiah.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus' Public Ministry Begins
Jesus begins his public ministry in Galilee, teaching, preaching, and performing miracles. This period includes the calling of his disciples and initial public acclaim.
c. AD 28-30
John the Baptist Imprisoned
John the Baptist is imprisoned by Herod Antipas for denouncing his unlawful marriage. This isolation and confinement likely led to his questioning of Jesus' identity.
c. AD 29— this verse
John's Disciples Question Jesus
John, hearing about Jesus' works, sends two disciples to ask if Jesus is the 'one who is to come' or if they should expect another. This occurs while Jesus is actively ministering.
c. AD 29
Jesus' Response to John's Disciples
Jesus directs John's messengers to report back on the miracles they see and hear him performing, such as healing the blind and lame and preaching to the poor, fulfilling prophecy.
c. AD 29-30
Jesus' Ministry Continues Amidst Opposition
Despite the validation of his identity through miracles, Jesus faces increasing opposition and skepticism from religious leaders and the general populace.
This passage prophesies the very signs Jesus points to as evidence of His Messiahship: healing the blind, deaf, lame, and mute, and bringing water to the desert, directly fulfilling what John's messengers were to 'hear and see'.
Luke 7:22This verse is the parallel account in Luke, where Jesus' response to John's messengers is nearly identical, emphasizing the miracles and the preaching of the gospel to the poor as proof of His identity.
Matthew 11:5-6These verses immediately follow Jesus' instruction, detailing the specific miracles and message of hope He wanted John's disciples to report back, showing the direct application of Jesus' words.
John 14:11Jesus here tells His disciples to believe Him for the sake of His works if they do not believe Him for His words. This principle underpins His response to John, where His actions speak louder than any direct affirmation.
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 just tell John's disciples what he's doing, but that they should report what they hear and see. This subtle distinction emphasizes that John should trust his own messengers' firsthand experience and the divine signs they witness, rather than relying on a mere verbal report.
John the Baptist, imprisoned and facing his own mortality, sends messengers to Jesus to ask if He is the long-awaited Messiah. In response, Jesus directs John's disciples to report back what they are witnessing: miracles like healing the blind and lame, and the good news of the kingdom being preached to the poor.
John the Baptist, imprisoned and facing his own mortality, sends messengers to Jesus to ask if He is the long-awaited Messiah. In response, Jesus directs John's disciples to report back what they are witnessing: miracles like healing the blind and lame, and the good news of the kingdom being preached to the poor.
"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." — Jesus doesn't just tell John's disciples what he's doing, but that they should report what they hear and see. This subtle distinction emphasizes that John should trust his own messengers' firstha…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
