Matthew 11:9

Friday, 27 June 2025

 

But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet. Matthew 11:9

 

“But what you went out to see? A prophet? Yes! I say to you and superabounding a prophet” (CG).

 

In the previous verse, Jesus noted that those wearing the fines, they are in the king’s houses. He continues referring to John by asking again, “But what you went out to see?”

 

As with the previous time He asked, it indicates that the people, in fact, did not go out to see someone dressed in the fines. Rather, they had a different purpose entirely. Knowing why they went, He asks rhetorically, “A prophet?”

 

The people heard about John’s crying in the wilderness, proclaiming the coming of the Lord –

 

Then they said to him, “Who are you, that we may give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself?” 23 He said: “I am ‘The voice of one crying in the wilderness: “Make straight the way of the Lord,”’ as the prophet Isaiah said.” John 1:22, 23

 

The people had heard of John’s call to repentance and went into the wilderness to hear his prophetic message. Of him, Jesus continues, saying, “Yes! I say to you and beyond a prophet.”

 

John was asked who he was by the priests and Levites from Jerusalem. His response to them indicated that he was more than a prophet because he was the subject of prophecy. Isaiah said there is the voice of one crying in the wilderness. John said that voice was referring to him. Therefore, Isaiah was referring to him as the subject.

 

But more, he was not only the subject of the word, but he was the one to continue conveying the word. The words of John were uttered, and they have been recorded in Scripture for us. His role was to fulfill prophecy and to continue to proclaim the prophetic word of God concerning the coming of the Lord.

 

And yet, there is more. Not only would he fulfill the prophetic word while continuing to speak out the prophetic word, but he would personally acknowledge that his prophecies were fulfilled in the coming of the Messiah, Jesus –

 

“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, ‘Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is He of whom I said, “After me comes a Man who is preferred before me, for He was before me.” 31 I did not know Him; but that He should be revealed to Israel, therefore I came baptizing with water.’ 32 And John bore witness, saying, ‘I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He remained upon Him. 33 I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, “Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.” 34 And I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.’” John 1:29-34

 

The other prophets of God spoke and wrote about the coming of the Messiah, but John personally beheld Him and proclaimed Him to be the One. Jesus will explain further about the greatness of John and his prophetic office in the verses to come.

 

Life application: The Bible is the main way that God specifically expresses Himself to the people of the world. It is true that He expressed Himself through nature and creation (general revelation). He has also revealed Himself through those who then prophesied His word (special revelation). He has further revealed Himself specifically through Jesus, who is the epitome of special revelation.

 

However, these instances of special revelation were limited to certain times and locations. Isaiah, Daniel, and the other prophets transmitted the word of God. Their words have been compiled into Scripture. Jesus came and fulfilled His ministry before ascending. Since then, the record and explanation of what He did and will continue to do is recorded in the New Testament.

 

The Bible is