Matthew 11:7
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Matthew 11:7
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?
Chapter Context
Matthew 11 is a biographical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of worship, obedience, mercy. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-90 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christianity was separating from Judaism following Jerusalem's destruction.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-30: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Matthew and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Matthew 11:7
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?
Analysis
As John's disciples departed, Jesus began praising John to the crowds: 'What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind?' The rhetorical question expects a negative answer. A 'reed shaken with the wind' symbolizes a vacillating, unstable person who bends to popular opinion and changing circumstances. Jesus emphatically denies this describes John. Despite his momentary question from prison, John was not a compromiser who adjusted his message to please audiences. He had courageously confronted Herod, confronted Pharisees as a 'generation of vipers' (Matthew 3:7), and proclaimed hard truths regardless of cost. The wilderness setting is significant—people traveled to the Jordan Valley's austere environment specifically to hear John's uncompromising message. They didn't seek entertainment or comfortable teaching but prophetic truth. Reformed theology values this prophetic boldness: faithful ministers speak God's Word without trimming it to cultural preferences.
Historical Context
The 'wilderness' refers to the Judean wilderness near the Jordan River where John conducted his ministry (Matthew 3:1-6). This harsh, desolate region became the site of massive popular movement as 'Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan' went out to hear John (Matthew 3:5). Reeds grew abundantly along the Jordan's banks, swaying with every breeze—a perfect metaphor for instability. In contrast, John wore camel's hair and leather belt (Matthew 3:4), deliberately evoking Elijah (2 Kings 1:8), and his message was uncompromising: 'Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand' (Matthew 3:2). He confronted religious hypocrisy, demanded genuine repentance, and refused to curry favor with authorities—leading to his imprisonment and eventual martyrdom (Matthew 14:1-12). Jesus's public defense of John countered any who might have questioned John's faith due to his inquiry.
Reflection
- What modern cultural 'winds' tempt Christians to compromise or soften biblical truth, and how do we resist becoming 'reeds shaken'?
- How does John's combination of bold public ministry and private struggle encourage believers who experience doubt while maintaining faithful witness?
- What distinguishes legitimate flexibility in communication style from the instability of compromising message content?
Cross-References
- References John: Matthew 21:25
- Parallel theme: Matthew 3:5, Genesis 49:4, Luke 8:18, John 5:35, Ephesians 4:14, James 1:6