If you apply this entire chapter to the twelve disciples, you will be confused, for in verses 15-23 Jesus spans the ages of time and deals with the message of the Kingdom during the Tribulation Period. This message gives instruction to the disciples in the past (verses 1-15); the disciples of the future Tribulation Period (verses 16-23); and the disciples in service today (verses 24-42). The closing verses indicate the importance of the servant of Christ. He is the representative of Christ. To reject this servant is to reject Christ, as Paul states in II Corinthians 5:20.
In chapter 11 we reach a turning point in the ministry of Christ, as presented by Matthew. The revelation of the King is now complete (chapters 1-10). Now, rebellion against the King begins to appear (chapters 11-13). In this section the Jews rebel against every revelation Christ gave of Himself.
There are several practical points to be learned from chapter 11: (1) Even the greatest men of God get discouraged and have times when their faith seems to falter. John the Baptist was a great servant of God, but he was still a man. Compare the attitude of Paul when he was in prison (see Philippians 1). (2) Our task is to give the Word of God to the people, and not cater to their childish whims. Many times the church tries to please the people of the world, and thus displeases God. To entertain men is sin, but to warn them of hell is to obey God's Word. (3) Sodom, with all its filth, will have an easier time at the judgment than Capernaum will, with all its religion! The Son of God lived in their midst, yet they rejected Him. The greater the light, the greater the judgment! Privilege brings responsibility, and responsibility always means accountability.
MEMORY VERSE FOR TODAY: Man now can be: Redeemed. Ephesians 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.