This narrative teaches us how hard faith may seem when we are tested for our work for the kingdom (vv. 2-3), but it also demonstrates how Jesus lovingly strengthens his own to complete their task in faith (v. 6). While Jesus is in Isaiah (Is 35), he reminds John that God himself will be a stumbling stone to Israel and Judah (Is 8:14-15), but not to those who trust him (Is 8:13).

One could argue that this narrative criticizes John's unbelief. Does not Jesus' response to John's question in verses 4-6 constitute a rebuke? And does not Jesus diminish John's status vis-a-vis that of the disciples in the second half of verse 11?

But an argument that views John negatively misses the whole thrust of the passage. Jesus could confront John's question no more graciously than he does in verses 4-6, quite in contrast with how he addresses his opponents and even wayward disciples (16:23; 23:13-33). Unlike those who had seen much and believed little (11:21-24), John has seen little (vv. 4-5); Jesus pronounces a blessing on him if he will persevere (v. 6). He calls John his promised forerunner (v. 10), Elijah (v. 14); he further chides a generation for not receiving that prophet (vv. 18-19; compare 10:41) and makes John the greatest figure of history so far (11:11)-even if John does not get to hear all the compliments (v. 7). When Jesus announces that disciples of the kingdom are greater than John, he is exalting the disciples, not minimizing John; he uses John for the comparison precisely because he is so significant in God's plan (v. 11).

Matthew recorded John's struggle with doubt, not to condemn John, but to encourage subsequent disciples whose faith would be tested by hardships. Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me could be translated "How happy will be the one who does not stumble on my account." In view of its serious use in the Gospel tradition (for example, 5:29-30; Mk 9:42-47; compare especially Mt 21:42-44), the language of "stumbling" here suggests that one's response to Jesus determines one's place at the final judgment (Witherington 1990:43-44).