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As these went their way, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning John, "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind?
Verse Takeaways
1
Not a Wavering Reed
Jesus uses the image of a reed, common in the Jordan Valley, which is easily swayed by the wind. Commentators explain this is a metaphor for a fickle, inconstant person. By asking this rhetorical question, Jesus powerfully affirms that John the Baptist was the exact opposite: a man of unshakeable conviction. His recent inquiry was not a sign of a failing faith, but a moment Jesus used to confirm John's steadfast character.
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Matthew
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18th Century
Presbyterian
And as they departed. Jesus took occasion, from the inquiries made by John's disciples, to instruct the people concerning John's true char…
As these went their way (τουτων πορευομενων). Present participle genitive absolute. The eulogy of Jesus was spoken as the two disc…
19th Century
Anglican
As they departed — There was an obvious risk that those who heard the Baptist's question and our Lord’s answer might be led to thi…
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Baptist
And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me. And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What we…
Jesus used this opportunity to speak to the crowd about John and to defend him. The rhetorical questions are a gently ironic way of eliminating obv…
16th Century
Protestant
And while they were departing, Christ praises John before the people, so that they might recall what they had heard from him and give cred…
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17th Century
Reformed Baptist
And as they departed That is, the messengers of John, (Luke 7:24) when they returned to their master, to give an a…
What Christ said concerning John was not only for his praise but for the people's profit. Those who attend to the word will be called to give an ac…
13th Century
Catholic
After saying these things, the Lord passed from there to teach and preach, and this was for three reasons.