Luke 7:24-27 And when the messengers of John were departed, he began to speak to the people concerning John… Why did our Lord select these figures rather than others? I. Our Lord's three questions RECALL THE WRY SCENE, THE PECULIAR FORM, AND THE ANIMATING SPIRIT OF THE BAPTIST'S MINISTRY. 1. The first would recall, to the listening crowd, Jordan, with its reedy, wind-swept banks — the strong rapid stream, by which they had listened to the prophet's call, and in which they had been plunged for the remission of their sins. 2. The second would recall the asceticism of the Baptist, the rude simplicity of his garb, the rustic fare with which he was content. 3. The third would recall the fervour and inspiration with which he spoke, whom "all men confessed to be a prophet indeed," and the profound impression he had made upon their light, fluctuating hearts. II. We may take these questions as SETTING FORTH THE BAPTIST'S RELATIONS TO MAN, TO SELF, TO GOD. 1. John was no reed to be shaken by the breath of popular applause. He delivered his rebukes with fearlessness. 2. Severe to others, he was also severe to himself. He might have dwelt in king's houses, yet he made the desert his home. A preacher of temperance, he carried his own temperance to asceticism. 3. Severe in the demands he made on men, still more severe in his demands on himself; he devoted himself wholly to the will and service of God. In his relation to God he proved himself a true prophet, yea, and very much more than a prophet, a man of God who was not disobedient to the word of the Lord. III. We may take these questions as ADDRESSED TO THE THOUGHTS AND INTENTS, THE WISHES AND HOPES, OF THE CROWD WHO LISTENED TO THEM. What did you want and expect to find? Did you not covertly hope that, as John became popular, he would bend before the popular currents of thought and aim? And yet, could this have been your expectation and your hope? Had you wanted a courtier who would speak smooth things to you, would you not have gone to the palace for him? But, whatever drew you into the wilderness, whatever you thought or hoped, did not you find a prophet? As you listened to him, did not you find that life grew large and solemn? (S. Cox, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: And when the messengers of John were departed, he began to speak unto the people concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind? |
    |