The word deed
(erga) does not refer to miracles or mighty works
(as dunameis does in Matthew 11:20, Matthew 11:23), but rather as Jesus’ whole ministry (see the meaning of erga in Matthew 5:16; Matthew 23:5). Matthew 11:2 shows the seeming contradiction between Jesus’ actions and the fact that John heard about them in jail. While John suffered for announcing judgment, Jesus pronounced blessings that did not seem to benefit John—so Jesus responded directly to John, rather than to the disciples John sent (John 11:4).
The word deed
(erga) must here be understood not as referring to a miracle or to mighty works
(as dunameis does in Matthew 11:20,Matthew 11:23), but rather as his actions in its totality (see also the meaning of erga in Matthew 5:16; Matthew 23:5).1
John the Baptist, knowing that Jesus was the awaited Messiah, followed his actions closely, because news concerning Jesus was news concerning the Messiah. Matthew 11:2 highlights the tension between the actions of the Christ and the lack of freedom enjoyed by his predecessor in order to emphasize that John had heard about these actions while he was in jail. Yet is this the advance of the Master even while his prophet remains locked up not a contradiction? These types of questions cause John to send an official delegation of two disciples to Jesus.2
Things turned out very differently than John the Baptist had expected. He was imprisoned and not delivered by Jesus, despite the fact that he had performed so many miracles. Moreover, the work of Jesus did not seem to connect with that of John. Jesus brought blessings, while the Baptist had been called to announce judgment. John did not send disciples for their own sake, but through them, since he himself had not been able to come. The answer of Jesus is therefore directed to John the Baptist (Matthew 11:4), rather than to the disciples.3
On the one hand the question posed here is John’s own, meaning that it is truly a sincere question on his part and not some pastoral camouflage on behalf of his disciples. On the other hand, the question is not intended to doubt that Jesus is the Christ, but is rather an embarrassed question from a prophet unable to square the deeds of Christ with the continuing dominance of Herod in his life. What is Jesus waiting for? As a prisoner who patiently continues to wait, day in and day out, his expectation is not being answered by the present deeds of Christ.4
2 Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples