New Testament · Gospel

Matthew 11:6

Come to Me

Blessed is the one who does not fall away on account of Me.” Matthew 11:6 · Berean Standard Bible
What It Means

Matthew 11:6, in plain English

Jesus adds a gentle encouragement: blessed is the person who does not lose faith in Him because His ministry does not look the way they expected.

Why it's here

Jesus understands that His approach to being the Messiah might confuse people. He blesses those who trust Him even when His ways are surprising.

Who's speaking

Jesus speaks to John's disciples with a message for John.

Where it sits in the story

Jesus tenderly acknowledges that He may not be the kind of Messiah people expected. He calls those who trust Him anyway 'blessed' -- it is a word of grace for struggling faith.

A Closer Look

The scholarly reading

Jesus pronounces a beatitude (makarios) on the one who does not stumble (skandalisthe) on account of Him, gently warning that His manner of messiahship may be a stumbling block to those with different expectations.

Language and setting

The verb skandalizein implies falling away due to offense or disappointed expectations. This is a compassionate but firm word to John: blessed is the one who can accept a Messiah who does not fit preconceived molds.

Voice

Jesus addresses this beatitude to John's disciples, intended for John.

Significance

Jesus concludes His response to John with a gentle challenge: true blessedness belongs to those who do not stumble over the unexpected way God's kingdom arrives.

In context

Matthew 11:4–8

4Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see:

5The blind receive sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.

6Blessed is the one who does not fall away on account of Me.”

7As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swaying in the wind?

8Otherwise, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? Look, those who wear fine clothing are found in kings’ palaces.

Read all of Matthew 11 — John the Baptist doubts from prison. Cities refuse to repent. And in the middle of it all, Jesus offers rest to the weary.

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