[Jesus speaking]
“To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others: “ ‘We played the pipe for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’ For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is proved right by her deeds.”

--Parallel verses:
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭10‬:‭14‬
The wise store up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool invites ruin.

With five kids ranging from 22 to 7, I can remember when each of these precious children were little. They had funny ways they said things, interesting ideas, and somewhat back and forth stances depending on what benefitted them in the situation. They pretended to be more sick so they could avoid dishes, but then when a friend wanted to play outside with them the next minute, they magically felt better.

While this can be slightly amusing in children, Jesus seems frustrated at the back and forth faith of the Jews. Here he calls it out. John did not eat or drink and he was demon-possessed. Jesus ate and drank and he was a glutton and a drunkard, accused of hanging out with the wrong types of people.

It is hard to watch fools reason with themselves while under submission to the ways of this world. They reason away sin at one time to suit their pleasures and the next day are judging another in order to look good in comparison.

It is a hard way to live with conflicting morals and a divided heart.

Lord, thank you for rescuing me from the chaos of this evil world. I can see the truth plainly through the power of your Spirit. Help me to trust and obey!