John Calvin 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)

And while they were departing, Christ praises John before the people, so that they might recall what they had heard from him and give credit to his testimony. For his name was widely celebrated, and people spoke of him in lofty terms: but his doctrine was held in lower esteem, and there were even few who attended his ministry.

Christ reminds them that those who went out to see him in the wilderness had wasted their efforts if they did not devoutly apply their minds and attention to his doctrine. The meaning of the words you went out into the wilderness is this: “Your journey would have been an act of foolish and ridiculous levity if you had not a clear purpose in mind. But it was neither worldly splendor nor any sort of amusement¹² that you were seeking: your purpose was to hear the voice of God from the mouth of the Prophet. If, therefore, you would benefit from your undertaking, it is necessary that what he spoke should remain fixed in your memory.”

¹² “Ni autre passe-temps et amusement vain;” — “nor other pastime nor vain amusement.”;” — “nor other pastime nor vain amusement.”