Matthew 11:1

And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities.

Matthew 11:1 (KJV)

Context

Matthew 10 recounts how Jesus called His twelve disciples and sent them out on a specific mission to proclaim the kingdom of heaven, heal the sick, and cast out demons. In Matthew 10:5, Jesus specifically instructed them not to go to the Gentiles or Samaritans but to focus on the lost sheep of Israel.

Meaning

The opening phrase, “And it came to pass,” is a Hebrew idiom meaning “it happened” or “in the course of things,” signaling the orderly progress of God’s plan. The verse records that Jesus “made an end of commanding his twelve disciples,” indicating that He had concluded His instructions to them. The Greek verb translated “commanding” (diatassōn) means to command, order, or give direction, and it shows that Jesus gave His disciples specific, comprehensive instructions covering where they should go, what they should say, how they should behave, and what treatment they would face.

After commissioning His disciples, Jesus “departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities.” The term “thence” refers to the previous location where Jesus had been teaching and healing. The phrase “their cities” points to the towns of Israel, particularly the cities of Galilee, where Jesus continued His public ministry. This verse concludes the discourse of Matthew 10 and marks a transition from instructing the disciples to Jesus resuming His own teaching and preaching ministry.

Biblical connections

This verse is a hinge between the commissioning of the twelve and the subsequent events of Matthew 11, where John the Baptist sends messengers to Jesus. It highlights the continuity between Jesus’ own ministry and the mission He gave to His disciples. Jesus’ primary purpose was to teach and preach the good news of the kingdom of heaven, and He did so by traveling to various cities. This demonstrates His commitment to sharing the message of salvation with the people.

Application

• Authority and Instruction: The fact that Jesus commanded His disciples indicates His authority and their submission to Him. As followers of Christ today, we are called to recognize Jesus’ authority in our lives and obey His teachings. We find His instructions and guidance primarily in the Scriptures, where He provides wisdom and direction for our lives.

• Teaching and Preaching: Jesus’ ministry was not confined to one place. He actively traveled to different cities to teach and preach the good news. This demonstrates the importance of sharing the Gospel with others and not limiting it to a single location or group of people. We are encouraged to spread the message of Christ, both through our words and actions, reaching out to those around us and even beyond our immediate sphere of influence.

• The Kingdom of Heaven: Jesus’ mission centered around proclaiming the kingdom of heaven. This kingdom represents God’s reign, His redemptive work, and the offer of salvation through Jesus Christ. As believers, we are called to live as citizens of this kingdom, representing its values, and inviting others to experience the abundant life found in a relationship with God.

Reflection

Matthew 11:1 captures the transition in Jesus’ ministry as He concludes His instructions to the twelve disciples and continues to teach and preach the kingdom of heaven in different cities. The verse emphasizes Jesus’ authority as the one who commands and sends, and it shows the priority of teaching and preaching the gospel. As followers of Christ, we are called to submit to His authority, share the Gospel with others, and live as citizens of God’s kingdom.