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?
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus asks the crowds what they expected to find in John, a "reed shaken by the wind." This isn't just about finding someone with strong convictions, but also about them recognizing their own fickle motives for following John in the first place, implying their search was for spectacle rather than genuine truth.
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?
English Standard Version (ESV)
As John the Baptist's disciples leave Jesus after delivering their master's question, Jesus turns to the crowd and begins to speak about John, challenging their motives for seeking him out in the wilderness. He contrasts John's steadfastness with the image of a weak reed, implying that they went to see a prophet of substance, not someone easily swayed. This sets the stage for Jesus to affirm John's greatness, even as he prepares the people for a deeper understanding of the kingdom of heaven and its impact.
Why would Jesus compare John the Baptist to something as flimsy as a reed?
Jesus uses the imagery of a 'reed shaken by the wind' to highlight John's unwavering commitment. This wasn't a compliment to the people for going to see him, but a rhetorical question to make them think about why they went.
Stability in Truth
Jesus declares John greater than any prophet, yet also says the least in heaven is greater than John. How can both be true?
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Jesus elevates John the Baptist far above the Old Testament prophets, but within the context of God's unfolding plan.
The Forerunner's Unique Role
Understand the original words
erēmos · Greek Noun
An uninhabited or sparsely populated area, often associated with spiritual testing, encounter with God, or the place where the prophets ministered. It serves as a place of preparation and separation from the corruption of societal structures.
Jesus addresses the crowds immediately after John the Baptist's messengers leave, likely to preempt any negative interpretations of John's questions and to bolster John's reputation, especially given John's imprisonment by Herod.
c. AD 27-28
John the Baptist's Ministry Begins
John the Baptist begins his public ministry in the wilderness of Judea, preaching repentance and baptizing people in the Jordan River.
c. AD 28
Jesus is Baptized by John
Jesus comes from Nazareth to be baptized by John in the Jordan River, a pivotal moment where Jesus is affirmed by God as His Son.
c. AD 28-29
Jesus' Early Ministry and Miracles
Jesus begins His public ministry, calling disciples and performing numerous miracles, drawing large crowds.
c. AD 29
John the Baptist Imprisoned
John the Baptist is imprisoned by Herod Antipas for denouncing his unlawful marriage to Herodias. This event marks a significant challenge for John and a turning point in Jesus' ministry.
c. AD 29— this verse
John's Messengers Question Jesus
While imprisoned, John the Baptist hears about Jesus' ministry and sends his disciples to ask Jesus, 'Are you the one who is to come, or should we wait for another?'
c. AD 29
Jesus' Testimony to John
After John's messengers depart, Jesus speaks to the crowds about John, affirming his prophetic role and greatness, while also addressing potential doubts about John's steadfastness.
This passage highlights that outward appearances can be deceiving, just as Jesus asks the crowd if they expected John the Baptist to be as unstable as a reed. It reminds us that God looks at the heart, not just outward shows.
Jeremiah 20:10-11Jeremiah describes himself as a 'mighty warrior' facing opposition, a contrast to a 'reed shaken by the wind'. This shows that true prophets, like John and Jeremiah, often stand firm against pressure, not easily swayed by popular opinion or threats.
Hebrews 11:24-27This passage details Moses' choice to identify with the suffering people of God rather than the fleeting pleasures of Egypt. Like John, Moses demonstrated a steadfast resolve, refusing to be a 'reed shaken by the wind' when faced with significant opposition.
Galatians 1:10Paul asks if he seeks to please men, implying that his mission is not to be swayed by popular opinion, much like Jesus' question about John. This verse underscores the importance of faithfulness to God's calling above human approval.
calvinMatthew 11:7-15: "And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness 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 went you out to see?…
bensonMatthew 11:7: "And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind?"
Matthew 11:7-10 . And as they departed — Or, as Luke has it, when they were departed, Jesus began to say concerning John — What he would not say concerning him in the hearing of these his disciples, lest he should seem to flatter him, or to compliment him into an adherence to his former testimony. To avoid all suspicion of this k…
Jesus asks the crowds what they expected to find in John, a "reed shaken by the wind." This isn't just about finding someone with strong convictions, but also about them recognizing their own fickle motives for following John in the first place, implying their search was for spectacle rather than genuine truth.
As John the Baptist's disciples leave Jesus after delivering their master's question, Jesus turns to the crowd and begins to speak about John, challenging their motives for seeking him out in the wilderness. He contrasts John's steadfastness with the image of a weak reed, implying that they went to see a prophet of substance, not someone easily swayed. This sets the stage for Jesus to affirm John's greatness, even as he prepares the people for a deeper understanding of the kingdom of heaven and its impact.
As John the Baptist's disciples leave Jesus after delivering their master's question, Jesus turns to the crowd and begins to speak about John, challenging their motives for seeking him out in the wilderness. He contrasts John's steadfastness with the image of a weak reed, implying that they went to see a prophet of substance, not someone easily swayed. This sets the stage for Jesus to affirm John's greatness, even as he prepares the people for a deeper understanding of the kingdom of heaven and its impact.
"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?" — Jesus asks the crowds what they expected to find in John, a "reed shaken by the wind." This isn't just about finding someone with strong convictions, but also about them recognizing their own fickle…
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Last reviewed October 2026