Matthew 11:7-19, Messengers from John the Baptist

7 As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 8 What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. 9 What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10 This is he of whom it is written,

“‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.’

11 Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. 13 For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John, 14 and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come. 15 He who has ears to hear, let him hear.

16 “But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their playmates,

17 “‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’

18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ 19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds.”

Comments

Jesus considered John the greatest prophet and the greatest man born until this time. Why? Because the old order was being superseded by the new order Jesus was bringing. John had the honor of announcing the Messiah, but his job was finished and the age preceding the coming of Christ was quickly coming to an end.

Jesus declared that this generation’s unresponsiveness to the voice of God would be its downfall. As the leadership of the Jews had rejected John, so too would they reject Jesus.

Prayer

Kindle, O Lord, in our hearts, we pray, the flame of that love which never ceases, that it may burn in us and give light to others. May we shine for ever in your temple, set on fire with that eternal light of yours which puts to flight the darkness of this world; in the name of Jesus Christ your Son our Lord.

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