Matthew 11:5-6
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This verse isn't just a list of Jesus's amazing deeds; it's a direct quote from Isaiah 35:5-6, showing that Jesus is fulfilling prophecy. What's easy to miss is that the last miracle mentioned – "the poor have good news preached to them" – is presented as the culmination and perhaps the most profound sign that the Messiah has arrived.
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. And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
John the Baptist, languishing in prison, sends his disciples to ask Jesus if He is truly the Messiah they've been waiting for, or if they should look for another. Jesus responds not with a direct "yes," but by pointing to His miracles—healings and the proclamation of good news to the poor—as evidence that fulfills prophetic descriptions of the Messiah's coming. He then adds a warning that those who aren't offended by Him will be blessed.
Ever feel like God is distant? John the Baptist, in prison, was wrestling with that very question. Jesus's answer wasn't a theological treatise, but a list of powerful actions.
Jesus doesn't just tell John he's the Messiah; he shows him through a series of physical restorations that mirror spiritual healing.
Restoring What Was Broken
These aren't just random acts of kindness; they are direct, powerful interventions by God, proving His presence and kingdom are here.
Ask a follow-up
In a world that often values status and wealth, Jesus's message came with a radical focus. Who did He prioritize?
Jesus concludes the list of physical healings with a profound spiritual act: 'and the poor have good news preached to them.' This wasn't an afterthought; it was a central theme.
Proclaiming Hope to the Needy
Jesus’s ministry flipped the world’s values, showing that God’s favor is most clearly seen in His attention to those society overlooks.
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.
makarios · Greek Adjective
In a biblical context, this term denotes a state of profound, God-given happiness and spiritual well-being that is independent of external circumstances. It describes the condition of those who are in a right relationship with God and enjoy His favor.
skandalizō · Greek Verb
To cause someone to stumble, fall into sin, or lose faith by an act or an attitude. In this context, it refers to rejecting or being repelled by the person and message of Jesus due to a failure to recognize His divine mission.
This passage is deeply rooted in the context of John the Baptist's imprisonment and his disciples' query about Jesus' identity. Jesus' response, detailing His miraculous works, directly addresses John's doubt by pointing to the fulfillment of Messianic prophecies, particularly those found in Isaiah, which promised healing and good news for the poor.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus' Ministry Begins
Jesus begins his public ministry in Galilee, teaching, healing, and calling disciples. His fame spreads throughout the region.
c. AD 28
John the Baptist Imprisoned
John the Baptist is imprisoned by Herod Antipas for denouncing his unlawful marriage. From prison, John hears reports of Jesus' growing ministry.
c. AD 29— this verse
John's Disciples Question Jesus
John, hearing about Jesus' works, sends disciples to ask if Jesus is the one they were expecting. Jesus responds by describing His miracles and ministry, fulfilling prophecies.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
Jesus is crucified in Jerusalem and rises from the dead, validating His claims and ministry.
This passage in Isaiah directly foretells the very miracles Jesus highlights: the opening of the eyes of the blind, the unstopping of deaf ears, and the enabling of the lame to leap. It shows that Jesus' actions were the fulfillment of prophetic promises.
Isaiah 61:1This prophecy explicitly states the Messiah would preach 'good news to the poor,' mirroring the final part of Jesus' statement and underscoring that His mission was to bring spiritual liberation and hope to the downtrodden.
Luke 7:22In Luke's account of John the Baptist's inquiry, Jesus gives the same list of miraculous signs and deeds as proof of His identity. This shows the consistent message and signs Jesus used to reveal Himself as the promised Messiah.
1 Corinthians 1:27-29This passage speaks about God choosing the 'weak,' 'lowly,' and 'despised' to shame the wise and strong. It resonates with Jesus preaching the gospel to the poor, highlighting God's unconventional way of working through those the world overlooks.
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…
vincentMatthew 11:5: "The blind receive their 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."
The lame walkTynd., The halt go.
This verse isn't just a list of Jesus's amazing deeds; it's a direct quote from Isaiah 35:5-6, showing that Jesus is fulfilling prophecy. What's easy to miss is that the last miracle mentioned – "the poor have good news preached to them" – is presented as the culmination and perhaps the most profound sign that the Messiah has arrived.
John the Baptist, languishing in prison, sends his disciples to ask Jesus if He is truly the Messiah they've been waiting for, or if they should look for another. Jesus responds not with a direct "yes," but by pointing to His miracles—healings and the proclamation of good news to the poor—as evidence that fulfills prophetic descriptions of the Messiah's coming. He then adds a warning that those who aren't offended by Him will be blessed.
John the Baptist, languishing in prison, sends his disciples to ask Jesus if He is truly the Messiah they've been waiting for, or if they should look for another. Jesus responds not with a direct "yes," but by pointing to His miracles—healings and the proclamation of good news to the poor—as evidence that fulfills prophetic descriptions of the Messiah's coming. He then adds a warning that those who aren't offended by Him will be blessed.
"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. And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.”" — This verse isn't just a list of Jesus's amazing deeds; it's a direct quote from Isaiah 35:5-6, showing that Jesus is fulfilling prophecy. What's easy to miss is that the last miracle mentioned – "t…
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Last reviewed October 2026
