Luke 7:31Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The Jewish people engaged in a certain sort of game where many children were split into two groups. In a way that seemed to mock existence, some on one side lamented while others on the opposite side played music, and there was no harmony between the mourners and the joyful musicians. The Lord likewise illustrates that the Pharisees participated in a similar behavior.

Individuals with clear judgment scrutinize all matters, discerning the false while affirming what is true and commendable. This wisdom is also emphasized by Paul, who instructs us: ‘Be wise changers; prove all things and hold fast to what is good; abstain from all deceit.’ Thus, as I have mentioned, we should thoughtfully analyze all actions with a discerning intellect, striving to recognize what is faultless and to reject what is deceptive. However, if we fail to discern properly, we risk making misguided judgments about things that deserve praise and misidentifying the praiseworthy as corrupt.

Let us refrain from imitating those who, upon witnessing John abstaining from food and drink, remarked that he was possessed by a demon (Mt 11:18, Lk 7:33). Likewise, we should not emulate those who observed Christ partaking in meals and declared, "Here is a man who delights in eating and drinking, a companion of tax collectors and sinners" (Lk 7:34). In response to such judgments, the Lord emphasizes a profound truth, stating: "And wisdom is justified by her children" (Mt 11:19).

And the joyful expressions of the prophets affirm that Wisdom is vindicated through all her offspring (Lk 7:35). This affirmation applies universally, as righteousness is upheld among everyone. By embracing the faithful, there is an implicit dismissal of the unfaithful. Hence, many Gentiles recognize the truth: 'Wisdom is justified by all her deeds,' as it is the essence of justice to gauge the worth of each individual. Therefore, it is rightly said: we played for you but you did not dance (Luke 7:32). Moses too sang when the waters of the Red Sea congealed before the Israelites' crossing, while the walls of water stood firm, turning back to overwhelm the chariots and horsemen of Egypt.

To whom shall I liken...? In the preceding chapter, you will find a comprehensive account of this matter.

(Note: Matthew 11:16-19)

Christ serves as the bridegroom for His people, and just as one would rejoice and celebrate through dance or song at a wedding, our vows towards Him are filled with such joyful celebrations. As articulated in the Gospel of John, "He who has the bride is the bridegroom" (Jn 3:29), indicating that the union between the Church and Christ is a cause for jubilation. Thus, it is fitting for us to partake in dance at this wedding banquet, reminiscent of King David, who, filled with joy, not only sang but also danced before the Ark of the Covenant.

What an unusual group of individuals! To what can I liken them? They resemble those rebellious children who, when gathered with others, find no joy in their songs, whether joyful or sorrowful. The Pharisees did not approach John; they labeled him as possessed by an evil spirit and pointed to his austere living as evidence. Similarly, they did not seek the Son of Man, instead calling him a glutton and a drunkard, a companion to tax collectors and sinners. In contrast, the children of wisdom, as the Savior stated, affirmed God's wisdom through its actions. They embraced both John’s stern call to repentance and the Son of Man’s gracious invitation to reconciliation with God.

The contrast between this style (of the Apocrypha) and that of the original text is striking. In the original, all the names are distinctly Semitic, and every image and metaphor reflects a solely Jewish context, rooted in the traditions, customs, practices, history, faith, geography, and landscape of Palestine. Anyone who has visited the Holy Land during the summer can attest to the fields being adorned with vibrant lilies or anemones that outshine the magnificence of Solomon's garments dyed in Tyrian purple. They observe the eager kites or eagles scavenging for the remains of fallen creatures in the fields, akin to how Nazareth once echoed with the laughter of children at play, reminiscent of the days of Jesus Christ.

Yet, these obstinate and defiant individuals did not treat the message of Jesus Christ any better. To clarify His point, He drew a comparison from everyday experiences, highlighting their lack of faith due to their thoughtlessness and rebellious nature. He described them as ‘foolish and wayward children, who will not be pleased, even if you cry to them, or play the whistle’ (Bl. Theophylact). To whom shall I compare this generation?