Matthew 11:7-10 7As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 8What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. 9What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10This is he of whom it is written, “Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.“
John’s disciples could return to John with news about the miracles Jesus had been doing. Through a set of three pairs of rhetorical questions about what type of person the people went out to see, Jesus leads the crowds, who were watching this scene unfold, how significant John’s ministry had been. Even though John was out in the desert in a place not easy to survive, he was solid in his convictions and message. He did not dress up but was rugged. How he looked matched his strong message. He was not one to say something to tickle people’s ears or make them feel good. He came as a prophet by calling people to repentance and preparing their hearts for the coming Messiah.
Instead of condemning John for his question, Jesus praises him. John’s question about if Jesus was the Messiah shows that he was only human, possibly struggling in the darkness of prison. He may not have heard all that Jesus was doing. He needed confirmation. What little information he had received left him wondering. He faced his own temptations, like we all do. Jesus saw John’s motives and situation and understood. He also sees our journeys of faith. He sends people and situations our way to confirm our faith and help us realize the truth.
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