Matthew 11:13
Tuesday, 1 July 2025
For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. Matthew 11:13
“For all the prophets and the law, until John, they prophesied” (CG).
In the previous verse, Jesus told those with Him, “And from the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of the heavens, it is forced, and forcers, they seize it.” Now, He continues, saying, “For all the prophets and the law.”
The word “for” is given to explain the previous verse. The coming of Jesus as Messiah, which signified the coming of the kingdom of the heavens, was prophesied in advance. It was the great anticipation of the people. This is so obvious from Scripture that even the Samaritans understood it –
“The woman said to Him, ‘I know that Messiah is coming’ (who is called Christ). ‘When He comes, He will tell us all things.’
26 Jesus said to her, ‘I who speak to you am He.’” John 4:25, 26
With such high anticipation, when John came on the scene proclaiming that the kingdom was at hand, the people rushed towards the news, forcing themselves into the body of others desirous of obtaining the promise.
As for the term, “the prophets and the law,” it is a thought repeated eleven times in the New Testament. However, this is the only time it mentions the prophets first. The reason for the change is that Jesus is focusing on John’s prophetic ministry first and foremost.
The law anticipated the coming of the Messiah in an almost innumerable number of times in types and shadows. It also has explicit references to Him, such as the Prophet noted in Deuteronomy 18:15-22.
However, Moses was a prophet as well as the lawgiver. It is the words of the prophets, including the giving of the law, that anticipated the coming of the Messiah. That line of prophets is referred to by Jesus next, saying, “until John, they prophesied.”
Jesus is clearly stating that the role of the prophet heralding the coming of the Messiah ends with John. Prophecies continue in the New Testament, but the words pointing to Jesus’ coming find their termination with John.
In Revelation 11, it says –
“And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.” Revelation 11:3
These two witnesses of the future will testify to the Messiah who has come. They will be a witness to Israel and the world at large that what is recorded about John here is the truth. His prophecies and proclamations focused on the entrance of the new dispensation that was about to be revealed.
Life application: In the book of Hebrews, the author provides minute detail concerning the effects of Jesus’ work. He is so specific and so pinpointed in his words that it is incredible that people who read the book cannot seem to grasp what is being conveyed.
For example, the Hebrew Roots Movement adherents call what Jesus did a “renewed covenant,” not a New Covenant. The implication, followed by explicit teaching by them, is that the Law of Moses is renewed and adherents must abide by it.
In Hebrews 7 (for example), the author clearly teaches against such a ridiculous thought –
“Therefore, if perfection were through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need was there that another priest should rise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not be called according to the order of Aaron? 12 For the priesthood being changed, of necessity there is also a change of the law. 13 For He of whom these things are spoken belongs to another tribe, from which no man has officiated at the altar.
14 For it is evident that our Lord arose from Judah, of which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood. 15 And it is yet far more evident if, in the likeness of Melchizedek, there arises another priest 16 who has come, not according to the law of a fleshly commandment, but according to the power of an endless life. 17 For He testifies:
‘You are a priest forever
According to the order of Melchizedek.’
18 For on the one hand there is an annulling of the former commandment because of its weakness and unprofitableness, 19 for the law made nothing perfect; on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.” Hebrews 7:11-19
This is one of several examples of the clear and precise teaching by the author that completely refutes the heresy of Mosaic Law observance. The words are black ink on white paper, and their intended meaning will be evident to anyone willing to pick up the book and read it.
The law prophesied of its own termination. The prophets referred to that coming day multiple times. John called out that the time for Messiah to come had arrived. And yet, here we are, over two thousand years later, missing the mark on who Jesus is and what He accomplished! Pay heed to the word. For those who find Jesus, it is life. For those who find law observance (because they failed to heed what is said), there will be condemnation.
“You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.” Galatians 5:4
Lord God, how can our world be so filled with Bibles, the most published book in all of human history, and yet be so illiterate in what it says? Help us to be willing to put in the time and effort it takes to read, study, and understand this precious gift. May we not be negligent in seeking out its glorious pages that tell us of Jesus and what He has done for us. Amen.
