Matthew 11:7

As they departed. [Jesus’ Eulogy of John, Matt. 11:7-30 = Luke 7:24-35. Major comment: Matthew.] Literally, “as they were departing,” implying that the discourse concerning John began almost the moment the messengers turned to leave. Apparently these words of commendation were not for the ears of John, nor for his disciples, because what Christ was about to say would have lessened the force of the personal message He had given to John’s two disciples to carry back to their master (see on Luke 7:23).

Concerning John. The eulogy of John, recorded in vs. 7-19, has sometimes been referred to as his funeral oration. John was beheaded about six months after this, not long before the Passover of A.D. 30 (see on Luke 3:19, 20).

To see. Gr. theaomai, “to view attentively,” or “to contemplate.” Many, possibly all, of the men in this audience had listened to John preach. Christ asks them to analyze their own reaction to that “burning and … shining light” (John 5:35), that they may the better appreciate John’s message in relation to the message Jesus Himself now bore.

Concerning John’s ministry in the wilderness see on Matt. 3:1 and Luke 3:2.

A reed. Reeds grew in abundance in the Jordan valley, where much of John’s brief ministry was spent, and the figure used here would vividly recall to the minds of those who now listened to Jesus the scene of the Baptist’s preaching. The Saviour’s question might be stated, “Did you go out that far just to see the reeds blowing in the wind?” Certainly John could not be likened to the reeds, for he was not of a wavering and vacillating character.