Matthew 11:7-9
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? What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jesus uses the image of a "reed shaken by the wind" not just to highlight John's steadfastness, but to challenge the people's own superficial motives for seeking him out. They went to the wilderness expecting a spectacle, not seeking God's truth, and this question reveals their folly in not even knowing what they were truly looking for.
As John the Baptist's disciples depart after asking Jesus if he is the Messiah, Jesus turns to the crowd and begins to speak about John. He asks them what they truly expected to find when they went out to see John in the wilderness, challenging whether they were looking for someone as weak and unstable as a reed blown by the wind. This sets up Jesus' strong affirmation of John's character and his crucial role as a prophet.
Why would Jesus compare John the Baptist to a reed in the wind? It seems like an insult, but Jesus is using powerful imagery to highlight John's incredible strength and purpose.
Jesus asks the crowds, "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind?" (Matthew 11:7).
Unwavering Purpose
This imagery is striking because reeds, by the Jordan River where John preached, are known for being flexible and easily swayed by the wind. By asking this, Jesus is powerfully stating what John was not. He wasn't indecisive, wishy-washy, or easily influenced by popular opinion or even the harsh realities of his imprisonment.
Standing Firm
John's ministry was characterized by boldness. He confronted kings, called out the religious elite, and preached a message of repentance with unwavering conviction. Even when facing imprisonment and questioning Jesus' identity, his core message and commitment to God's truth never wavered. Jesus uses this vivid image to remind the crowds that John was a man of immense spiritual fortitude, not someone tossed about by circumstance.
John was a prophet, but Jesus says he was 'more than a prophet.' What made John's role so unique and significant?
Jesus continues by asking, "But what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes?" (Matthew 11:8), contrasting John’s austere life with the expectations of luxury.
More Than a Prophet
Jesus elevates John beyond the typical prophetic role. While prophets foretold future events and spoke God's word, John had the distinct privilege of seeing and identifying the Messiah in person. He wasn't just pointing towards a distant hope; he was pointing to Jesus standing right there.
The Herald of the Kingdom
"For this is the one referred to in the scripture, 'Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you'" (Matthew 11:10). John’s specific commission was to be the forerunner of the Messiah, announcing the imminent arrival of God's kingdom. This role placed him at a pivotal intersection between the Old Covenant prophecies and the New Covenant reality inaugurated by Christ.
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.
prophētēs · Greek Noun
A person chosen and commissioned by God to proclaim His word, warn of judgment, or point toward future redemption. Prophets hold a unique office of speaking divine truth into human history, often standing against the status quo.
The historical context reveals that Jesus' words about John the Baptist were spoken shortly after John, from prison, had sent messengers to question Jesus' identity. This backdrop highlights Jesus' affirmation of John's steadfastness and prophetic importance, challenging any perception that John was weak or wavering.
c. AD 27-30
John the Baptist's Ministry
John the Baptist begins his public ministry in the wilderness of Judea, calling people to repentance and baptizing them in the Jordan River. His powerful preaching draws large crowds.
c. AD 28
Jesus' Baptism and Temptation
Jesus is baptized by John, and the Holy Spirit descends upon Him. Following this, Jesus is led into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil for forty days.
c. AD 29
Jesus Begins His Public Ministry
Jesus begins His Galilean ministry, calling disciples and performing miracles. His fame grows, and he preaches the message of the Kingdom of Heaven.
c. AD 29
John the Baptist Imprisoned
John the Baptist is imprisoned by Herod Antipas for denouncing his unlawful marriage. This marks a significant shift, as John's public ministry is curtailed.
This passage highlights that God looks beyond outward appearances and public perception to the inner reality of a person, just as Jesus challenges the crowd to look beyond the surface impression of John the Baptist.
Jeremiah 1:17-19This illustrates how even a prophet called by God can face opposition and challenges, yet God's strength enables them to stand firm, mirroring Jesus' defense of John's steadfastness despite his imprisonment.
1 Corinthians 1:27-29This passage emphasizes God's choice of the seemingly weak and insignificant to confound the wise and strong, resonating with Jesus' portrayal of John as unswerving and essential, despite appearing simple to the crowds.
Hebrews 11:36-38This chapter describes the severe trials and persecution faced by many faithful individuals, providing context for understanding John's steadfastness in the face of imprisonment and opposition, as Jesus defends him from the charge of being a wavering 'reed'.
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 uses the image of a "reed shaken by the wind" not just to highlight John's steadfastness, but to challenge the people's own superficial motives for seeking him out. They went to the wilderness expecting a spectacle, not seeking God's truth, and this question reveals their folly in not even knowing what they were truly looking for.
As John the Baptist's disciples depart after asking Jesus if he is the Messiah, Jesus turns to the crowd and begins to speak about John. He asks them what they truly expected to find when they went out to see John in the wilderness, challenging whether they were looking for someone as weak and unstable as a reed blown by the wind. This sets up Jesus' strong affirmation of John's character and his crucial role as a prophet.
As John the Baptist's disciples depart after asking Jesus if he is the Messiah, Jesus turns to the crowd and begins to speak about John. He asks them what they truly expected to find when they went out to see John in the wilderness, challenging whether they were looking for someone as weak and unstable as a reed blown by the wind. This sets up Jesus' strong affirmation of John's character and his crucial role as a prophet.
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Jesus states that 'the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than John.' How can this be, given John's immense importance?
Jesus makes a profound statement: 'Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist. Yet the least person in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he' (Matthew 11:11).
The Superiority of the New Covenant
This statement isn't a demotion of John but an exaltation of the new reality that Jesus inaugurated. John operated under the Old Covenant, a system of laws and prophecies pointing towards a future fulfillment. Those in the kingdom of heaven, however, live in the presence of that fulfillment.
Experiencing the Fulfilled Kingdom
Those who are part of God's kingdom now have direct access to God through Christ, experience the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit in a way that transcended the Old Covenant, and live in the reality of salvation that John could only herald. The 'least' believer today has experienced the finished work of Christ, received the Spirit, and lives in the 'already-but-not-yet' reality of God's reign in a way that John, as a forerunner, did not fully inhabit.
c. AD 29— this verse
John's Disciples Question Jesus
John, hearing about Jesus' ministry from prison, sends his disciples to ask Jesus directly if He is the promised Messiah.
c. AD 29
Jesus' Testimony to John
After John's disciples depart, Jesus speaks to the crowds about John, commending his boldness and prophetic significance, while contrasting him with a 'reed shaken by the wind'.
"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? What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft…" — Jesus uses the image of a "reed shaken by the wind" not just to highlight John's steadfastness, but to challenge the people's own superficial motives for seeking him out. They went to the wilderness…
