The credentials of Messiah.
The precepts of the charge which Jesus had given to his disciples are here called his commands. Christ's commissions are commands (cf. Psalms 105:8; 1 Corinthians 9:16). He "made an end of commanding." The instructions of Christ are complete. Then "he departed to teach," more privately, "and preach," publicly, "in their cities." His ministry leaves men without excuse. "Now when John had heard in prison," etc. We have here—
I. THE INQUIRY OF JOHN.
1. As to its occasion.
2. As to the matter.
3. As to the reason.
II. THE ANSWER OF JESUS.
1. It was indirect, yet decisive.
2. It was an appeal to testimony.
3. It was also an appeal to sense.
4. The Messianic miracles were parabolic works.
5. It was an appeal to experience.