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Book of Matthew - Chapter 11 - Verse 3

11:3
And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?

Meaning

When John the Baptist sent messengers to Jesus asking if he was the one they were expecting, he was seeking confirmation that Jesus was indeed the long-awaited Messiah. John had been proclaiming the coming of the Messiah and baptizing people in preparation for his arrival. By asking this question, John was seeking reassurance that his belief in Jesus was well placed. The verse highlights John's faith and his desire for confirmation, as well as the importance of recognizing and acknowledging the fulfillment of prophecies. Jesus' response to John's question affirmed his identity and purpose, showing that he was indeed the Messiah that had been foretold. This verse serves as a reminder of the significance of Jesus' coming and the fulfillment of prophetic promises.

Theological Overview

When John the Baptist sent his disciples to ask Jesus if He was the Messiah, he was seeking confirmation of his earlier proclamation that Jesus was the one who would come. The question asked by John indicates his uncertainty at that moment, possibly due to his circumstances of being in prison. The theological interpretation of this verse reveals the humanity of John the Baptist and his need for reassurance in a challenging time. Additionally, this verse highlights the fulfillment of prophecies in the Old Testament regarding the coming of the Messiah. Through word studies, one can delve deeper into the meaning of terms such as "he that should come," which implies a specific person expected to fulfill a certain role in salvation history. This verse serves as a reminder that even great prophets like John the Baptist can have moments of doubt, but ultimately, faith in Jesus as the Messiah prevails.

American Standard Version

and said unto him, Art thou he that cometh, or look we for another?
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