Matthew 11:1-19

“But to what shall I liken this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their companions and saying: ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance. We mourned to you, and you did not lament.’” (Matthew 11:16–17, NKJV)

Cindy and I had two children of our own, and now we have five grandchildren. One of the challenges of having a baby in the house is the exasperating feeling that there is nothing you can do to please her. It is a guessing game. Is she hungry? Is he tired? Do they need their diapers changed? But you can do all these things and yet baby is still upset. Now we expect such emotion from an infant or toddler. But what do we do when we find this same discontent in adults?

Jesus pointed out that no matter what was given to the people of His generation, they were unbelieving, ungrateful, and unsatisfied. They were like children playing in the marketplace. They pretended to be at a wedding and played happy music, but they complained that others would not dance. Then they pretended to be mourning at a funeral but complained that others would not lament.

God sent John the Baptist to them who lived an ascetic life, alone in the wilderness. He did not eat or drink with them, and they said he had a demon. Then God sent Jesus who lived among them and ate and drink with them. But they accused Him of being a glutton and drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners. It was impossible to please them! They were childish and discontented.

We would call such children “spoiled.” And sadly, there are many adults today who are like them. We have been given so much in our country. Few of us suffer from lack of food, clothing, or shelter. And yet so many people are discontented, discouraged, and depressed. But wisdom is proved right by its deeds. If we devote ourselves to always doing the right thing, then God will vindicate us in His time.