Matthew is closing out his treatment of the emergence of Jesus' preaching, teaching and healing ministry (4:12-11:1) and opening up a more dialectical section in which he focuses just as intently upon the response Jesus' works and words evoke as on the events themselves. The crowds and the disciples lap up Jesus' words and deeds. But the religious authorities are growing more restive and rigid, convinced that Jesus' ministry poses a threat to them and the status quo.

The reading branches in two directions. First, in response to the question of John the Baptist's disciples (v.3), Jesus summarizes the events that have marked his ministry up to this point, events that point to his messianic identity and mission (vv.4-6). Second, he then praises the prophetic role of John the Baptist as a holy…