Matthew Henry Commentary Matthew 11:2-6

"Now when John heard in the prison the works of the Christ, he sent by his disciples and said unto him, Art thou he that cometh, or look we for another? And Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and tell John the things which ye hear and see: the blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good tidings preached to them. And blessed is he, whosoever shall find no occasion of stumbling in me." — Matthew 11:2-6 (ASV)

Some think that John sent this inquiry for his own satisfaction. Where there is true faith, there may yet be a mixture of unbelief. The remaining unbelief in good people may sometimes, in an hour of temptation, call into question the most important truths. But we hope that John's faith did not fail in this matter, and that he only desired to have it strengthened and confirmed.

Others think that John sent his disciples to Christ for their satisfaction. Christ pointed them to what they heard and saw. Christ's gracious condescensions and compassions to the poor show that he was the one who would bring to the world the tender mercies of our God.

The things that people see and hear, if compared with the Scriptures, show the way salvation is to be found. It is difficult to conquer prejudices, and dangerous not to conquer them; but for those who believe in Christ, their faith will be found to lead all the more to praise, honour, and glory.