Matthew 11:18Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The significance of these statements can be understood as follows: John and I approached our missions in distinctly different manners, akin to hunters who, seeking to capture an elusive prey from divergent paths, position themselves in opposition to one another to drive it toward their grasp. Observe the astonishment of humanity as it marvels at this extraordinary fast and the ascetic life dedicated to profound wisdom. It was divinely ordained that John experience a life of austerity from his early years, ensuring his message was deserving of belief. Yet one might wonder why Jesus did not also adopt this same path. In truth, He did engage in this practice; He fasted for forty days, traversed various regions teaching, with no place to lay His head.

It is not surprising that you rejected the dual paths to salvation, as you equally mocked both fasting in reverence to God and with no intent, as well as partaking of meals. If fasting brought you satisfaction, what reason was there for John to find it displeasing?

John lived a rigorous and austere life, refraining from both bread and wine, whereas Christ’s lifestyle was more accommodating, as He ate bread and drank wine. Although these two approaches to life were fundamentally opposed, neither pleased the Jewish leaders: of John it was said that he was possessed by a demon due to his asceticism, while Christ was disparaged for His enjoyment of meals and wine, though the Evangelist chose not to elaborate on these taunts, deeming the current discussion sufficient.

Wisdom is vindicated through her offspring, specifically those who, forcefully advancing the kingdom of heaven, attain it through the righteousness of faith. They acknowledge that the work of wisdom is just, as she has shifted her gifts from the obstinate and faithless to those who believe and obey. It is evident in this context to recognize the significance of the statement, ‘and wisdom is justified,’ which He primarily spoke of in reference to Himself. For He embodies Wisdom, not due to actions but by His very essence. Everything possesses potential; all else emerges from that potential, distinguishing force and might, as action diverges from its outcome.

John approached life without consuming food or drink, adhering to the ways of a Nazarene and exemplifying the fervent call to repentance that characterized his ministry. He served as a model of sorrow and grief for all to witness. However, rather than respectfully heeding his message, people criticized him for his austerity, declaring that he was demon-possessed and inhabited by an unclean spirit, which they believed explained his somber disposition.

Oh, what peculiar individuals! To what can I liken them? They resemble those wayward youngsters who, when among their peers, remain unsatisfied with the songs, whether joyful or sorrowful. They (the Pharisees) refrained from approaching John, labeling him as possessed by a demon, and argued that his ascetic lifestyle was proof of their claims. Similarly, they did not seek out the Son of Man, accusing him of being a glutton and a drunkard, a companion to tax collectors and sinners. In contrast, the children of wisdom, as the Savior noted, vindicated the wisdom of God through its directives. They managed to embrace both the sternness of John through the call to repentance and the compassionate grace of the Son of Man in the pursuit of reconciliation with God.

John the Baptist, much like Jesus of Nazareth, abstained from wine and sweet drinks; he refrained from consuming bread, subsisting instead on locusts and wild honey. He led a life of rigorous asceticism, dwelling in the wilderness and embracing a strict regimen. His call to those who approached him was one of humility and repentance, preparing them to receive the coming Messiah with the proper disposition. The Pharisees and scribes anticipated the Messiah as a triumphant ruler, one who would elevate them to positions of power over subdued nations. Therefore, they believed there was no necessity for them to experience brokenness or grief in expectation of the Messiah; rather, they thought they should be filled with joy. In contrast, John delivered a sorrowful message through his preaching, yet they did not respond with tears; instead, they accused him of being possessed by a demon, attributing his severe demeanor to this supposed affliction.

John appeared, proclaiming a message that can be interpreted in the following manner: John the Baptist arrived as a severe ascetic, abstaining from food and drink, calling for repentance, mourning, and lamentation. As a result, he did not join in your celebrations, leading you to voice complaints and cast aspersions upon him. The Son of Man subsequently came, partaking in meals and drinking, yet you again expressed discontent that he did not share in your sorrow stirred by John's message. This behavior is merely childish on your part; however, the wisdom of God is affirmed among those who comprehend the true circumstances, as opposed to simply observing the antics of children.

The Lord provided insight into the meaning behind this profound discourse: John arrived, abstaining from food and drink, adhering to a rigorous lifestyle befitting a desert ascetic and Nazarene, and the reaction was, ‘He has a demon.’ In contrast, the Son of Man approached, partaking in meals and beverages, enjoying communion with others, and they remarked, ‘Look, a man who eats and drinks, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ The wisdom of God demonstrated its righteousness through its children—those simple and faithful souls who found value in John's stern call to repentance as well as in the comforting announcement made by the Lord about the arrival of the gracious kingdom intended for their salvation.