From Matthew 11:16-18 / Out of Step

Note first, that those who would serve Christ, will always be out of step with the World, no matter what we do. No matter what the World does. And it is why we must be careful when political parties, personages, businesses or causes seek to trade on the name of Christ and Christians, when it is obvious they are not (as best as we can discern) true follows of the The Master. Though our purposes may seem to converge for a moment in time, rest assured, they will diverge just as quickly and the folly of it revealed. Seeking public approval for who and what we are in Jesus is a waste of time. We must not be concerned to court the World’s favor above seeking to delight our Redeemer.

Note secondly that those in Christ dance to a different tune than the World. What makes the World rejoice, makes us weep. And what often makes the World weep, does not, indeed CANNOT fill us with the same grief. We have other griefs to break our hearts – like the wickedness that pervades our culture. Just observe the reactions in our society around the striking down of Roe v Wade. Many openly wept and grieved. TV shows portrayed the horrors of the loss. Public discourse decried the loss of “women’s reproductive health rights” over the sparing of innocent lives from being slaughtered in their mother’s wombs. Christians necessarily rejoiced, while the World wept. And so it should always be in such matters.

Note thirdly how it is with Jesus’ words here; the conversation needs to be moved from curiosity with John, to the people considering their own plight. When discoursing with those around us regarding the issues of the day, we need to seek the Spirit’s wisdom and power and opportunity to steer the conversation to a different place. To use the discussion as a platform to consider spiritual and eternal matters.

We are endlessly wrapped up in questions about others, while barely (if at all) taking the time to truly examine our hearts before God. This preoccupation with others – which fuels the gossip industry, tabloid journalism, reality TV, and makes celebrities out of people who contribute nothing but the sordid details of their lives to others – pervades our current culture. But it is nothing new. People are always wanting to shift the focus to others, so as to avoid asking the serious questions of life about themselves. So it is in the face of that reality, Jesus demonstrates to us the need to turn the tables.

Note fourthly, with all the response to John’s preaching – still – the greater part of that generation remained caught up in its own thoughts and agenda. God’s purposes being wholly ignored. We must expect the same in our generation. There may be times of great revival and the moving of God’s Spirit among us, but we must not imagine turning the tide of culture so as to make the world around us “Christian.” If the preaching of John and Jesus together didn’t do so – will we imagine our efforts will? No. We get a reality check here. Yes, we preach and teach and testify of Christ with all hope and joy. But we also recognize there will such opposition. In due time, wisdom WILL still be justified by her deeds.

Lastly, herein is a most useful insight to how Scripture defines a “glutton.” If it were merely a matter of overeating or being overweight, then the charge against Jesus would be so patently and obviously false that it couldn’t bear the slightest weight of even the most rabid detractor. Gluttony in Scripture is more akin to our “party animal” – be he slim, svelte or hefty. It is one who is given over to dissolution. One who would rather party with friends than work. Lazy. Obdurate. Jesus at this point had no trade – He did not support Himself as best we know. In fact, we are told that He had a number of benefactors – women who contributed to giving Him the freedom to go about and teach (Luke 8:3). So given His free time to meet with and dine with tax collectors, and to be itinerant, the charge might have some plausibility.

And so Believers may well be considered the worthless naval-gazers of our day because we set our noses on matters of spiritual and eternal importance above each cause célèbre. So be it. As long as the charge holds no real weight. As long as we are not lost in dissolution and wastefulness, but set about the Master’s service.

Take heart Christian – if they so completely misunderstood both John and Jesus, then we ought not be surprised if the same is true for us. And again, in due time and in our case too – wisdom will be justified by her deeds.