Charles Spurgeon Commentary Matthew 11:7

"And as these went their way, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to behold? a reed shaken with the wind?" — Matthew 11:7 (ASV)

Our Lord will sooner or later bear witness to the man who has faithfully testified for Him. John honors Jesus, and in due time, Jesus honors John.

Our Lord asks His hearers what they thought of John. You went to see John. You even went out into the wilderness to have a look at him. What did you see? A vacillating orator? A man who felt the influence of his times and bowed before its spirit, like a bulrush in the breeze?

Indeed not; John was no time-server, no flattering courtier, no pleaser of the powerful. The Baptist had not sent to Jesus because he was weak. Instead, he sent because he was honestly outspoken and so anxious for absolute certainty that he could not endure the shadow of a doubt. John sent to headquarters to make assurance doubly sure, by a new declaration from Christ’s own lips.