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Explanation for:
Matthew
11
:
17
Who crying to their companions say: We have piped to you, and you have not danced: we have lamented, and you have not mourned.
12
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{"arr":[{"author-name":"John Chrysostom","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ea76859f9f8e2ffd3ee_John%20Chrysostom.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"The significance of these statements can be understood in this manner: John and I approached our missions from divergent paths, resembling hunters who, in attempting to ensnare a creature that evades capture from opposite fronts, face each other while seeking to steer the escapee toward one of them. Observe how the entire human race is filled with wonder at this extraordinary fast and the rigorous lifestyle dedicated to profound wisdom. Thus, it is no coincidence that John was raised from childhood in such a strict manner, making his message worthy of belief. You may wonder why Jesus did not adopt the same path. In truth, He did traverse a similar route; He fasted for forty days, journeyed through various regions to teach, and had no place to rest His head. Yet, He also moved along a different path to achieve the same purpose, gaining from John's example. To receive a testimony from a man leading a disciplined life equated to mirroring that practice, or even exceeding it. John, representing a life of strictness, performed no miraculous signs, while the Savior bore witness to Himself through marvelous works. Even though John shone brightly through his fasting, Jesus chose a different approach, partaking in meals with tax collectors and sharing in their company.\\n\\nNow, let us pose a question to the Jews: What are your thoughts on fasting? Is it commendable and beneficial? If so, you ought to have followed John, embraced him, and believed his teachings; his words would have directed you to Jesus. Conversely, if fasting feels demanding and burdensome, then it would have been wise to heed Jesus and place your trust in Him, as He also offered a different way. Both paths could have led you to the kingdom. Instead, like a wild beast, you resisted both options. Thus, we should not assign blame to those who did not believe. The fault lies squarely with those who chose to disbelieve. No one can simultaneously commend and criticize opposing views; for instance, one who cherishes a joyful and lavish individual cannot also admire a somber and austere one, just as vice versa holds true. Therefore, it is impossible to hold contradictory sentiments about the same matter at once. This is why Jesus remarked, ‘Weep ye, and do not dance,’ indicating that He has not embraced a rigorous lifestyle and that you have not obeyed Him; ‘Weep ye, and do not weep,’ signifying that John lived a strict and austere life, yet you did not listen to him. Jesus does not claim that John followed one lifestyle and He another; rather, since both aimed for the same goal, despite their differing methods, He refers to their actions as interconnected. The divergence in their approaches stems from their strong alignment towards a common end."},{"author-name":"Jerome of Stridon","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88dcd3432c6dd41375498_Jerome%20of%20Stridon.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Since the Jewish people were unwilling to listen, they not only voiced their resistance but also shouted loudly, “We sang to you, yet you did not show joy in your actions.” In other words, they encouraged others to perform righteous deeds in response to their song and to rejoice at their call, much like David danced before the ark of the Lord (2 Samuel 6). However, there was no willingness on their part. They cried out, beseeching a change of heart, but their refusal to repent demonstrated their disdain for both messages: the encouragement to live virtuously and the appeal to turn away from sin."},{"author-name":"Cyrill of Alexandria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88a8ea5c988a4fc073480_Cyrill%20of%20Alexandria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":5,"exegesis-text":"The aspirations of the children who dance differ from those who lament through song, as both criticize their peers for their lack of agreement. The Jewish people experienced a similar plight, as they neither embraced John's harshness nor Christ's compassion and, consequently, did not gain any advantage. John, in his role as a servant, aimed to subdue the desires of the flesh through rigorous asceticism, while Christ, as the Savior, sought to conquer the inclinations of the flesh and its inherent deathly law by divine authority, requiring no such ascetic endeavors. John, heralding the baptism of repentance (Mk. 1:4; Lk. 3:3), served as a guide for those who mourn, whereas the Lord, announcing the good news of the kingdom of heaven (cf. Matt. 4:23; Matt. 9:35; Matt. 24:14; Mk. 1:14), revealed Himself in the joy and radiance that He described to the faithful, portraying the indescribable bliss and liberated existence of the kingdom of heaven. For the melodies sweeten the essence of the kingdom, while sorrow signifies the agony of Gehenna."},{"author-name":"Theophylact of Bulgaria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989296bafed9104677d7_Theophylact%20of%20Bulgaria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":11,"exegesis-text":"It reflects the rebellious nature of the Jews: they, being disobedient, neither appreciated the rigor of John nor the humility of Christ, resembling fickle children who are difficult to satisfy; whether they hear a lament or a joyous tune, it fails to please them."},{"author-name":"Euthymios Zigabenos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":11,"exegesis-text":"And their companions address the children, \\"Mourn for yourselves, and refrain from dancing: weep for yourselves, and do not weep.\\" The meaning of these words is this: we have not presented you with a challenging path to follow, yet you remain unfulfilled; we have offered a difficult journey, yet you are still discontent. Engaging in joyful dancing (playing the flute) comes easily, while expressing sorrow (singing dirges) is a struggle. Furthermore, the one who dances finds joy when the flute is played, while the one who mourns, that is, laments, finds solace when sorrowful songs are sung."},{"author-name":"Theophan the Recluse","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8983a6e0f4c3aecaae3fc_Theophan%20the%20Recluse.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The Lord observes that those who ignore the Gospel are comparable to individuals for whom cheerful songs are sung, yet they do not dance; when sorrowful melodies are played, they do not mourn; they remain unaffected. While the promise of the Kingdom of Heaven shines bright and filled with joy, we remain stagnant, as if untouched by the message. They warn us of unending judgment and relentless torment, yet we are untroubled, as though we do not hear the warnings. Our spirits are heavy, and we seem to have abandoned all instinct for true self-preservation. We are guided towards destruction, apathetic about our destiny. We have relinquished our agency and surrendered to hopelessness: whatever will be, will be! This accurately describes our plight. Is this not the reason for the sorrowful rise in suicides? This reflects the results of contemporary teachings and current perceptions of humanity and its significance! Such is the result of so-called progress! Such is the outcome of enlightenment! It is far better to remain unaware, carrying the fear of the Lord as a means to preserve one’s soul, than to be termed enlightened and face eternal demise, forgetting what lies beyond death. From the Word of God, which delineates both the Kingdom of Heaven and Hell, not a single detail will be altered: everything shall unfold as written. Embrace this truth as it pertains to you personally, and tend to your soul with all the strength and time you possess."},{"author-name":"Michail (Lusin)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c89550c567e172d15b3055_Michail%20(Lusin).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"\\"Playing the flute\\": it has traditionally been observed that during festivals or significant events, dances were performed accompanied by the sound of flutes and other musical instruments (cf. Matt. 25:1-12). Like children throughout the ages, the youth of that period mirrored the actions of adults, engaging in play that reflected the behaviors of their elders. - \\"Sang mourning songs\\": as previously noted (see Matthew 9:23), funerals were marked by expressions of grief and often accompanied by music; it is likely that the realm of children's play included mimicry of such lamentations as well. The children seem dissatisfied and express their grievances towards their peers, feeling excluded from the games, and they scold and taunt them."},{"author-name":"Abbot Panteleimon about the Trinity","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The ordinary folk, whom the Pharisees deemed unlearned in the Scriptures, and the tax collectors, whom they held in disdain comparable to that for Gentiles, praised God for sending the esteemed prophet John, who proclaimed the arrival of Christ the Redeemer and affirmed their faith by receiving his baptism. However, the scribes and Pharisees dismissed John's message, refusing baptism, thereby turning away from God's purpose for their redemption. In a painful expression of frustration over the obstinacy of His contemporaries, the Jewish people, the Lord lamented: ‘BUT TO WHOM SHALL I LIKEN THIS GENERATION? What a peculiar group they are! THEY ARE LIKE CHILDREN WHO SIT IN THE MARKETPLACE AND CALL OUT TO THEIR FRIENDS, ‘WE PLAYED THE PIPE FOR YOU, AND YOU DID NOT DANCE; WE SANG A LAMENT, AND YOU DID NOT MOURN.’ These individuals resemble those rebellious children who have gathered outside with others, unable to find satisfaction in any activity. Whether they initiate a joyful mock wedding or a mournful mock funeral, their contentment remains elusive. This people refused to heed John, the austere hermit of the wilderness, nor did they respond to the gentle and humble Lord Jesus, the Son of Man."},{"author-name":"Gladkow B.I.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88bf0ceef8c96e09a6521_Gladkow%20B.I..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"After stating that the Pharisees and scribes have turned away from God's purpose by refusing baptism from John, Jesus poses the question, “To what shall I compare this generation?” He likens them to fickle and rebellious children who cannot be satisfied by their peers. Just as those children, attempting to emulate their elders, play music in hopes of inspiring dance, they find no one willing to join in. When they sing sorrowful tunes, they expect tears, yet none are shed. The musicians, frustrated, express their discontent to their companions, saying, “We played the music for you, and you did not dance; we sang lamentations, and you did not weep.” Such wayward and obstinate children are akin to the Pharisees, the scribes, and their fellow adherents."},{"author-name":"Paul Matwejewski","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8969f5be0d592d5a10576_Paul%20Matwejewski.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"While John was proclaiming his message, the crowds, including even the despised tax collectors, turned back to God, repenting of their sins and receiving baptism from him. In contrast, the Pharisees and the legal experts, confident in their own imagined righteousness, rejected God's intentions for themselves and chose not to be baptized by him (Luke 7:29-30). These obstinate individuals also disregarded the message of Jesus Christ. To illustrate their lack of faith and rebellious nature, He drew an analogy from daily life: they are 'foolish and wayward children, who cannot be pleased, even if you cry to them, or play the whistle' (Blessed Theophylact). To whom shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to their companions, saying, 'Weep for you and do not dance, weep for you and do not sob.'"},{"author-name":"Bogolepow D.P.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"In addressing the current generation for their lack of faith, Christ likens them to children who grumble about their friends not joining in their games. While the others remain composed, these children take up the whistle and bemoan that their friends refuse to dance. However, when the friends start to enjoy themselves, the discontented children resort to playing mournful tunes, again expressing dissatisfaction with their companions for not weeping."},{"author-name":"Alexander Gorsky","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8884037c1e1c51e1332e2_Alexander%20Gorsky.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"And what a peculiar generation they are! To what can I liken them? They resemble those rebellious children who, when with their peers, find little joy in any song, whether it be cheerful or sorrowful. The Pharisees chose not to approach John; instead, they labeled him as possessed, using his ascetic lifestyle as evidence. Likewise, they did not seek the Son of Man, accusing Him of gluttony and drunkenness and branding Him as a companion of tax collectors and sinners. However, the children of wisdom, the Saviour added, validated the wisdom of God through their actions. They embraced both John’s rigorous call to repentance and the Son of Man’s generous offer of reconciliation with God."}]}
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