When John’s messengers had gone, 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?
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus uses the image of a "reed shaken by the wind" not just to describe John the Baptist, but to highlight the superficial motives of those who went to see him. He's challenging whether they sought a mere spectacle or a genuine encounter with God's messenger. This reveals that true discipleship requires looking beyond outward appearances to the deeper spiritual purpose of ministry.
When John’s messengers had gone, 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?
English Standard Version (ESV)
John the Baptist, imprisoned and likely doubting, has sent his disciples to ask Jesus directly if he is the Messiah. After Jesus demonstrates his identity through healing the sick and proclaiming the good news, he turns to address the crowd that had gathered, speaking about John. Jesus challenges the people, asking them what they truly expected to find when they went to see John in the wilderness, immediately comparing John to a steadfast prophet rather than a wavering reed.
When Jesus asks the crowds what they expected to see in John the Baptist, His imagery is striking. What does comparing John to a reed reveal about true spiritual leadership?
Jesus uses the metaphor of a "reed shaken by the wind" to contrast with John the Baptist's character. Reeds are flexible, easily swayed by every gust of wind, and offer little resistance. They represent fickleness, inconsistency, and a lack of inner conviction.
Jesus declares John was the opposite:
Jesus didn't just defend John; He elevated him. What makes John the Baptist unique in God's redemptive plan?
Jesus asserts that John was not just a prophet, but "more than a prophet." This isn't diminishing the role of prophets, but highlighting John's extraordinary position.
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Understand the original words
erēmos · Greek Noun
The uncultivated, desolate, or sparsely populated areas; in the Bible, it is a place of testing, isolation, and preparation where God often reveals Himself.
kalamos · Greek Noun
A hollow plant that grows in marshes and is easily swayed by the wind; used here to symbolize someone who is unstable, lacking conviction, or easily influenced by others.
c. AD 28
John the Baptist's Ministry
John the Baptist begins preaching a message of repentance and baptizing in the wilderness of Judea, drawing large crowds.
c. AD 28
John's Imprisonment
John the Baptist is imprisoned by Herod Antipas for denouncing his marriage to Herodias. He remains imprisoned for some time.
c. AD 28— this verse
John Sends Messengers to Jesus
While in prison, John hears about Jesus' ministry and sends two of his disciples to ask Jesus directly if He is the expected Messiah.
c. AD 28
Jesus' Testimony About John
After John's messengers depart, Jesus speaks to the crowds about John, affirming his crucial role as a prophet and forerunner, and contrasting him with mere 'reeds shaken by the wind.'
c. AD 30
Execution of John the Baptist
John the Baptist is beheaded by Herod Antipas at the request of Salome and Herodias, bringing his public ministry to a tragic end.
This passage describes the same event where Jesus commends John the Baptist to the crowds, using similar rhetorical questions to highlight John's steadfastness and importance.
Malachi 3:1Jesus directly alludes to this prophecy when describing John's role as the forerunner, showing how John fulfilled the Old Testament expectation of a messenger preparing the way.
Luke 16:16This verse, spoken by Jesus, emphasizes the transition from the era of the Law and Prophets to the urgent proclamation of God's kingdom, a context that John the Baptist powerfully ushered in.
Hebrews 12:27The idea of the 'kingdom of heaven suffering violence' from Matthew 11 (which Jesus also spoke in this context) connects to the resolute and forceful nature of those entering God's kingdom, contrasting with a wavering reed.
calvinLuke 7:24-28: "And when the messengers of John were departed, he began to speak unto the people concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind?"
- And as they were departing, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning John, What went you out into the wilderness to see? A reed, which is shaken by the wind? 8. But what went you out to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? [8] Lo, they who wear soft clothing are in the houses of kings. 9. But what…
pulpitLuke 7:24: "And when the messengers of John were departed, he began to speak unto the people concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind?"
Verse 24. - And when the messengers of John were departed, he began to speak unto the people concerning John. When the messengers of John were departed, the Lord, fearful lest the people who had been standing by and listening to the question which the Baptist had put, and his answer, should entertain any disp…
Jesus uses the image of a "reed shaken by the wind" not just to describe John the Baptist, but to highlight the superficial motives of those who went to see him. He's challenging whether they sought a mere spectacle or a genuine encounter with God's messenger. This reveals that true discipleship requires looking beyond outward appearances to the deeper spiritual purpose of ministry.
John the Baptist, imprisoned and likely doubting, has sent his disciples to ask Jesus directly if he is the Messiah. After Jesus demonstrates his identity through healing the sick and proclaiming the good news, he turns to address the crowd that had gathered, speaking about John. Jesus challenges the people, asking them what they truly expected to find when they went to see John in the wilderness, immediately comparing John to a steadfast prophet rather than a wavering reed.
John the Baptist, imprisoned and likely doubting, has sent his disciples to ask Jesus directly if he is the Messiah. After Jesus demonstrates his identity through healing the sick and proclaiming the good news, he turns to address the crowd that had gathered, speaking about John. Jesus challenges the people, asking them what they truly expected to find when they went to see John in the wilderness, immediately comparing John to a steadfast prophet rather than a wavering reed.
"When John’s messengers had gone, 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?" — Jesus uses the image of a "reed shaken by the wind" not just to describe John the Baptist, but to highlight the superficial motives of those who went to see him. He's challenging whether they sought…
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Last reviewed October 2026