John Calvin Commentary Matthew 11:2

"Now when John heard in the prison the works of the Christ, he sent by his disciples" — Matthew 11:2 (ASV)

Now when John had heard. The Evangelists do not mean that John was excited by the miracles to acknowledge Christ as Mediator at that time. Instead, perceiving that Christ had acquired a great reputation, and concluding that this was a fit and seasonable time to test his own declaration concerning him, he sent his disciples to him.

The opinion held by some, that he sent them partly on his own account, is exceedingly foolish, as if he had not been fully convinced, or had not obtained distinct information, that Jesus is the Christ. Equally absurd is the speculation of those who imagine that the Baptist was near death and therefore inquired what message he should carry, from Christ’s own mouth, as it were, to the deceased fathers.

It is very evident that the holy herald of Christ, perceiving that he was not far from the end of his journey, and that his disciples—though he had taken great pains in instructing them—still remained in a state of hesitation, resorted to this last expedient to cure their weakness. He had faithfully labored, as I have said, so that his disciples would embrace Christ without delay. His continued entreaties had produced so little effect that he had good reason for dreading that, after his death, they would entirely fall away. Therefore, he earnestly attempted to arouse them from their sloth by sending them to Christ.

Furthermore, the pastors of the Church are here reminded of their duty. They should not endeavor to bind and attach disciples to themselves, but to direct them to Christ, who is the only Teacher. From the beginning, John had openly avowed that he was not the bridegroom, (John 3:29). As the faithful friend of the bridegroom, he presents the bride chaste and uncontaminated to Christ, who alone is the bridegroom of the Church. Paul tells us that he kept the same object in view (2 Corinthians 11:2), and the example of both is held out for imitation to all the ministers of the Gospel.