Matthew 11:12 From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence, and violent people have been raiding it.
Commentary has a lot to say about verse 12, but the interesting thing I found is that every commentary I read interpreted verse 12 differently. One commentary took the violence fairly literally, interpreting the verse to mean YOU had to be so violently passionate for Christ that you would do ANYTHING to convert others. That interpretation doesn’t sit well with me.
Matthew 11:13 For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John.
Another commentary said that the violence is figurative: Those coming to Jesus to repent were so numerous that they were like an army, pressing in on a city, their enthusiasm for Jesus so powerful and all-consuming it is equated to a violent siege. Personally, I don’t find either interpretation satisfactory, but I am at a loss as to how to interpret this passage.
Matthew 11:14 And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come.
Precious Savior, Thank You for allowing me to grapple with Your word, seeking explanations when I don’t understand, holding those explanations up to see how they fit with my understanding of You. I get frustrated when I can’t arrive at what seems a logical conclusion, but I know You have a purpose in all things, and I know You appreciate my seeking a closer understanding of You. Amen.
Matthew 11:15 Whoever has ears, let them hear.
Have a blessed day.