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Verse 7 John had begun to doubt that Jesus was the *Messiah. When the people heard Johns question, they might have doubted too. Also, Jesus words in verse 6 might seem to blame John. So now, Jesus praised John and told the truth about him to the people. Nobody would have gone into the desert to see a very ordinary man. Tall grasses were very common by the river Jordan. The wind blew the grass in one direction, and then it blew the grass in a different direction. In a similar way, weak people keep changing their opinions. But John had firm opinions. He had the courage to speak the truth for God. He even told king Herod Antipas that he had done something wrong (Matthew 14:1-12). Verse 8 John wore clothes that were rough, and he ate simple food (Matthew 3:4). He did not live in luxury in a kings palace. He did not have an easy life. Verses 9-10 Jesus agreed that John was Gods servant. But he was even more important than every other one of Gods servants. He was Gods special *messenger. He prepared the way for the *Messiah. See Malachi 3:1. Verse 11 John was most important. He announced that a new age was beginning. But he did not see what that new age meant to the world. He did not see all the evidence about how much God loved the world. John did not see Jesus die (John 3:16). So the most humble Christian has a much greater advantage than John had. Verse 12 People have explained these words in several different ways: 1. Fierce men had attacked the idea that God rules people. They started when John was in prison. They continued to attack it because they wanted to rule peoples thoughts. 2. The words may refer to the Eager Men (see Simon the Eager Man in Matthew 10:4). The Eager Men were *Jews who tried to establish only Gods rule in their land. They did this as they fought the *Romans. People wanted to force Jesus to become their king (John 6:15). 3. People were eager to get the good things that God offers. But they wanted to take them with force. They were like people who are trying to force their way into a city. Verses 13-14 Jesus was saying that John was like another Elijah. He spoke the words from the *Old Testament about Elijahs return (Malachi 4:5). People believed that Elijah would announce that the *Messiah had arrived. Even today, *Jews leave an empty chair at their *Passover meal for Elijah. Gods *messenger from heaven spoke to Johns father before John was born. He promised Zechariah that John would be like Gods servant, Elijah. John would have the same kind of courage and power that Elijah had (Luke 1:17). Verses 14-15 God can send his *messengers, but people may refuse to listen to them. So Jesus appealed to the people to listen.
Verses 18-19 John the *Baptist lived a strict life, so people said that he was mad. Jesus joined in social events. He spent time with people that other people avoided. So people said that Jesus lived a wicked life. The people did not want to accept either John or Jesus. So those people behaved like selfish children. They made excuses and would not listen to Gods message. The results showed who was right. John had a strict life while he prepared for his work. He changed the attitude of many people. Jesus spent time with ordinary people. He showed them that God loved them. Both John and Jesus chose the way that was right for them. Wise people should be able to understand this.
Jesus shows people the Father and he offers an easy *yoke 11:25-30
v25 At that time, Jesus spoke to his Father. I praise you Father, he said. You are the *Lord of heaven and earth. Thank you that you have hidden these things from wise people. And you have hidden these things from people who know a lot. But you have shown them to people who know very little. v26 Yes, Father. That was what you wanted.
v27 My Father has given everything to me. The Father is the only person who knows the Son. And only the Son knows the Father, together with the people that the Son chooses to tell about him. v28 Come to me, if you are tired. And everyone who is carrying a heavy load should come to me. I will give you rest. v29 Take my *yoke and put it on your shoulders. Then you will learn what I teach you. My attitude is gentle and humble, so you will find rest. v30 The *yoke that I give you is easy. And the load that I give you is light. Verse 25 The people who taught Gods *Law, did not believe Jesus message. The people who thought that they were wise did not believe his message. Humble people knew that Jesus spoke the truth. They were like little children. Some people are proud that they know a lot about God. But they do not really understand him. Verse 27 Jesus said that he is the Son. He is the only person who knows God, the Father. Only Jesus can show people what God is like. This statement is like the one in Johns *gospel, (John 14:9). The person who has seen me has seen the Father, it says. Verse 28 In those days, the *Jewish religion had many laws. The leaders had made a big series of laws. People who tried to obey all of them became very tired. The laws were like a heavy load that people must carry. Verses 29-30 A *yoke is a special piece of wood. The farmer puts one on the neck of his oxen (big cows) when they work for him. Jesus had worked with wood. So he knew how to make good *yokes. They fitted well, and they did not make the animals neck sore. The *Jews used the word *yoke as picture language. They were talking about how they must obey the law. Peter spoke about the *yoke that the *Jews had found difficult (Acts 15:10). In these verses, Jesus was referring to his own and their experience as *Jews. He invited people to follow him. They would find that their life with Jesus was easy. It is easy because Jesus cares about his *disciples. They would find that his load is light. It is light because a *disciple follows the example of Jesus. A *disciple does not need to obey hundreds of rules. Jesus is gentle and he is humble. He allows people to be free. Then they obey him because they love him.