Photo by Saubhagya gandharv on Unsplash
By Mike Chaffin
“But to what shall I liken this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their companions, Matthew 11:16
Ever need to give your children a scolding for not listening? What happens when you privately talk to a friend about sin in their life and they blow you off? What do you do when an employee who works with you or reports to you doesn’t do the job correctly? If exasperation sets in you might tell them, sternly, they aren’t listening.
Jesus is at this point. He is fed up and tells them in His way. He uses a parable and common child’s saying to say, YOU’RE NOT LISTENING.
17‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance;
we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’
18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ 19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds. Matthew 11:17-19
John the Baptist came telling people to repent, judgement is coming. Messiah is coming. Jesus said John fulfilled the prophecy that Elijah would come proclaiming Christ is coming. Some believed John and got ready, more did not.
Jesus brought the light into the world. He came teaching, preaching, healing, casting out demons, and setting the Pharisees straight. Some believed Jesus, more did not.
YOU’RE NOT LISTENING! Finally exasperated with their coldness, Jesus begins to upbraid them. He refers to the unbelievers as children sitting in the market square, caught up in an environment of frivolity, playing games and not taking anything seriously. Others are too preoccupied with the worldly wealth to listen. They had no room in their hearts for spiritual rebirth. To these Jesus says, YOU’RE NOT LISTENING!
The question asked of the people of Jesus day is still pertinent today. Many are too busy having fun to listen. Others are too preoccupied with worldly wealth and fleshly fulfillment to hear. Some refuse to hear out of obstinance and unbelief. To these Jesus says, YOU’RE NOT LISTENING!
But Jesus did not just upbraid them and walk away. He continues to show mercy and grace by giving them, and us, second chances. He closes out this chapter with a prayer for those who listen, and an offer for those who might.
28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
Time is short. It’s time to listen.
Contemplation: Am I listening? Have I heard the message to repent and responded? What am I listening to?
