Matthew 11
John's question from prison
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. Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another? Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.
After instructing the Twelve, Jesus goes on teaching in the towns. John the Baptist, in prison, hears about Jesus' deeds and sends his disciples to ask whether Jesus is 'the one who is to come'. Jesus points to what they hear and see: the blind see, the lame walk, the dead are raised, and the poor hear good news.
What does this mean?
'He that should come' (KJV) was a way of referring to the expected deliverer. 'Offended in me' (KJV) means put off, or caused to stumble, because of Jesus.
Historical context
According to the Jewish historian Josephus, Herod Antipas imprisoned John at Machaerus, a fortress east of the Dead Sea. Jesus' reply gathers phrases from Isaiah (29:18–19; 35:5–6; 61:1) about the age of salvation.
Why does it matter?
John had announced a fiery judge (3:10–12); Jesus' answer stresses healing and good news, which may explain John's question. The list sums up the miracles narrated in chapters 8–9.
Editorial notes, not scripture.