THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW
Chapter 11: Overview
We begin our reading of the chapter with verse 2 with the question from John the Baptist. The chapter ends with a saying of Jesus in 11,30. There is then a new beginning in 12,1 where we are told that Jesus is now in a corn field. We will see that from chapter 12, Matthew is again following Mark's story.
There is no specific setting for chapter 11. So we can read the chapter as a whole.
Reading from verse 2, we come to a conclusion in verse 15 with the saying "Whoever has ears ought to hear". All of this part is about John the Baptist.
The first half, 11,2-6, tells of John the Baptist sending his disciples to ask about Jesus and his mission. This concludes with the saying in verse 6. This is followed by Jesus's comments to the crowds about John and his role, 11,7-15.
The next two units, 11,16-19 and 11,20-24 can be read together as the second part of the chapter. They are linked by "then" in verse 20. Jesus first speaks of this generation (11,16-19) and he then reproaches the towns with his "woes" (11,20-24). These towns are part of this generation so it will be as well to read the two units together as the second page.
"At that time" in verse 25 marks anoher beginning and the third part of the chapter. There is a hymn of thanksgiving by Jesus which brings the chapter to a climax, 11,25-30. It is a short but important passage so we will take this as a third page.
Our three pages for this chapter are therefore:
- 11,2-15: John the Baptist
- 11,16-24: This generation
- 11,25-30: Thanksgiving
Return now to the main page.