Charles Spurgeon Commentary Matthew 11:9-10

"But wherefore went ye out? to see a prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet. This is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, Who shall prepare thy way before thee." — Matthew 11:9-10 (ASV)

John was all that the very greatest of the prophets had been, and he came nearer to Jesus than all the rest. His Master’s steps were close upon his heel. He shone like Milton’s star —

“Fairest of stars, last in the train of night,
If better you belong not to the dawn.”

He was almost a Gospel-preacher and, failing to reach that point, he was chief among the prophets, indeed, and more than a prophet.

In the book of Malachi, the Lord God had promised to send a messenger before Messiah. Now the Messiah himself quotes the prophecy, which involves a change of persons that cannot be understood unless we believe in the Trinity in Unity. He who is “Me” is also “You,” according to the aspect in which He is regarded or the person who speaks.

John was the messenger of God to prepare the way of the Lord Jesus, and our Lord recognizes him in that honored capacity. Jesus is not ashamed of His herald because he is in prison, but rather He speaks the more openly of him. John had confessed his Lord, and now his Lord confesses him. This is a rule with our King.