Matthew 11:19

Son of man. See on Mark 2:10.

Eating and drinking. See Isa. 22:13; Matt. 24:38.

Gluttonous, and a winebibber. The charge was, of course, exaggerated and twisted so as to imply something far different from what the facts would justify. His friendliness toward men who were reputed to be gluttons and drunkards His critics took as an excuse for charging Christ with being like them. The attempt of the Jews to force ritual fasting on Jesus was a complete failure (see Mark 2:15-17). These critics apparently wanted to fast when they pleased and to feast when they pleased; they would have none of the abstemious life of John or of the normal association of Jesus with men who needed the help He could bring.

A friend. This was the crux of the issue. Jesus befriended the very men whom they despised and ostracized.

Publicans. See p. 66; see on Luke 3:12. Christ’s critics impugned His motives. Whereas He sought the company of “publicans and sinners” in order to persuade them to become like Him, the critics charged that He did so in order that He might become more like them.

Children. Textual evidence is divided (cf. p. 146) between this and the reading “works.” But the meaning is the same — wisdom is to be judged by its results. Thus, patently, to criticize John for one thing and Jesus for the opposite thing (vs. 18, 19) showed complete lack of wisdom. Both had been guided by divine wisdom, and this was evident in the results of their labors. In response to John’s labors, many repented (see Matt. 21:31, 32; Mark 11:32; Luke 7:29), and in response to Jesus’ ministry, multitudes heard Him gladly (see Mark 12:37).