Matthew 11:16 But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like to children sitting in the markets, and calling to their fellows, The Great Teacher on the watch that He might spiritualize what passed before Him; He was probably standing in a Jewish market-place when He uttered these words. The Jews used the pipe at marriages and funerals. This instrument of music, therefore, like our church bells, served alike for the joyful and mournful occasion. I. THE APPLICATION OF THE PASSAGE TO THE JEWS. There was a marked difference between the ministry of the Baptist and that of our Lord; John presented piety under the form of austerity; Jesus, on the contrary, mingled freely with the people. Thus was brought to bear upon the Jews a great variety moral assault. Both were unheeded. The Baptist had been too repulsive, and now the Redeemer was too conciliating. If they had melancholy music, they wanted lively, and if they had lively they wanted melancholy. They were like sullen children resisting all efforts to interest them. II. THE APPLICATION OF THE PASSAGE TO OURSELVES. God's dealings with sinners are still mixed. Parallel Verses KJV: But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows, |
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