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Explanation for:
Matthew
11
:
18
For John came neither eating nor drinking; and they say: He hath a devil.
9
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{"arr":[{"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":"It is not surprising that you rejected the dual paths to salvation, as you equally mocked both fasting in reverence to God and with no intent, as well as partaking of meals. If fasting brought you satisfaction, what reason was there for John to find it displeasing?"},{"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 as follows: John and I approached our missions in distinctly different manners, akin to hunters who, seeking to capture an elusive prey from divergent paths, position themselves in opposition to one another to drive it toward their grasp. Observe the astonishment of humanity as it marvels at this extraordinary fast and the ascetic life dedicated to profound wisdom. It was divinely ordained that John experience a life of austerity from his early years, ensuring his message was deserving of belief. Yet one might wonder why Jesus did not also adopt this same path. In truth, He did engage in this practice; He fasted for forty days, traversed various regions teaching, with no place to lay His head. However, He also chose a different route to the same destination and benefited from John's strict lifestyle. Receiving a confirmation from one who lived a disciplined existence was tantamount to experiencing that discipline firsthand, or perhaps even surpassing it. In contrast, John’s existence was marked solely by his stringent lifestyle, having performed no signs, while the Savior authenticated His mission through miraculous acts. Thus, while John illuminated the way through fasting, Jesus embraced a different approach, sharing meals with tax collectors and associating with them. \\n\\nLet us now question the Jews: What is your stance on fasting? Do you consider it virtuous? If it is commendable, then you should have followed John, embracing him and believing his proclamations, which would have ultimately guided you to Jesus. If, on the other hand, you find fasting to be a burden, then you ought to have adhered to Jesus and placed your trust in Him, recognizing that both paths could lead to the kingdom. Yet, like a wild beast, you rebelled against both. Consequently, we cannot fault those who demonstrate faith; rather, all disparagement lies with those who opted for disbelief. It is impossible for one to simultaneously criticize and laud opposing views; for instance, someone who appreciates a joyful and indulgent individual cannot also favor a somber and austere one. Similarly, to commend one who is sorrowful is to deny praise to one who is joyful; it is simply untenable to hold conflicting opinions about the same subject at once. This is why Jesus stated, ‘Weep ye, and do not dance,’ indicating that He leads not a rigid existence while you have failed to follow Him; ‘Weep ye, and do not weep,’ signifies that John maintained a stringent and austere way of life, yet you disregarded him. Jesus does not assert that John led a different life than He did; rather, since both were aimed at the same purpose, despite their differing practices, He refers to both His own and John's works as unified. The divergence in their paths arose from their profound alignment directed toward the same goal."},{"author-name":"Hilarius of Poitiers","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88cb92f12b3278598f946_Hilarius%20of%20Poitiers.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Wisdom is vindicated through her offspring, specifically those who, forcefully advancing the kingdom of heaven, attain it through the righteousness of faith. They acknowledge that the work of wisdom is just, as she has shifted her gifts from the obstinate and faithless to those who believe and obey. It is evident in this context to recognize the significance of the statement, ‘and wisdom is justified,’ which He primarily spoke of in reference to Himself. For He embodies Wisdom, not due to actions but by His very essence. Everything possesses potential; all else emerges from that potential, distinguishing force and might, as action diverges from its outcome."},{"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":"John lived a rigorous and austere life, refraining from both bread and wine, whereas Christ’s lifestyle was more accommodating, as He ate bread and drank wine. Although these two approaches to life were fundamentally opposed, neither pleased the Jewish leaders: of John it was said that he was possessed by a demon due to his asceticism, while Christ was disparaged for His enjoyment of meals and wine, though the Evangelist chose not to elaborate on these taunts, deeming the current discussion sufficient. \\n\\nMuch like two hunters pursuing a difficult quarry, who separate different paths yet aim for the same result, John and Christ represent contrasting lifestyles within the Household of God. John adopts a more austere path, while Christ offers a path that, though less strict, leads to salvation. Both ways are indeed distinct, yet share a common purpose. The Jews, akin to a skittish creature eluding capture, disparaged both figures. Hence, I questioned them: Is a stricter life inherently better? If so, why did you not heed John, who pointed the way to Christ? Conversely, if a less rigorous life is preferable, why did you ignore Christ, who leads you toward salvation? \\n\\nJohn’s strictness was essential as the herald of repentance was to embody a spirit of mourning, while the one who grants forgiveness was to exude joy. Additionally, John revealed nothing beyond his own ascetic life: it is noted that he did not perform any signs (John 10:41), while Christ’s divine miracles bore witness to His identity. Understanding human frailty, Christ graciously stooped to their level to provide them greater benefit. Accordingly, He engaged with tax collectors at their meals and defended His actions against critics by asserting, “I come not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (Matthew 9:13). Nevertheless, He did not ignore a life of discipline; after all, He spent time in the wilderness with wild beasts (Mark 1:13) and fasted for forty days as previously mentioned. Thus, when He participated in meals, He did so with moderation, reverence, and sanctity."},{"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":"John appeared, proclaiming a message that can be interpreted in the following manner: John the Baptist arrived as a severe ascetic, abstaining from food and drink, calling for repentance, mourning, and lamentation. As a result, he did not join in your celebrations, leading you to voice complaints and cast aspersions upon him. The Son of Man subsequently came, partaking in meals and drinking, yet you again expressed discontent that he did not share in your sorrow stirred by John's message. This behavior is merely childish on your part; however, the wisdom of God is affirmed among those who comprehend the true circumstances, as opposed to simply observing the antics of children. \\n\\nIn abstaining from eating and drinking, John refrained from certain foods and wine as per the Nazarite vow, exemplifying the life of a devout ascetic. The accusation of him being “possessed by a demon” suggests that he is under the influence of an unclean spirit, which causes him to behave peculiarly. His extreme moderation sets him apart from the lively, worldly demeanor of the people around him; while they playfully engaged, he did not join in their revelry."},{"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":"John approached life without consuming food or drink, adhering to the ways of a Nazarene and exemplifying the fervent call to repentance that characterized his ministry. He served as a model of sorrow and grief for all to witness. However, rather than respectfully heeding his message, people criticized him for his austerity, declaring that he was demon-possessed and inhabited by an unclean spirit, which they believed explained his somber disposition."},{"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":"John the Baptist, much like Jesus of Nazareth, abstained from wine and sweet drinks; he refrained from consuming bread, subsisting instead on locusts and wild honey. He led a life of rigorous asceticism, dwelling in the wilderness and embracing a strict regimen. His call to those who approached him was one of humility and repentance, preparing them to receive the coming Messiah with the proper disposition. The Pharisees and scribes anticipated the Messiah as a triumphant ruler, one who would elevate them to positions of power over subdued nations. Therefore, they believed there was no necessity for them to experience brokenness or grief in expectation of the Messiah; rather, they thought they should be filled with joy. In contrast, John delivered a sorrowful message through his preaching, yet they did not respond with tears; instead, they accused him of being possessed by a demon, attributing his severe demeanor to this supposed affliction."},{"author-name":"Paul Matwejewski","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8969f5be0d592d5a10576_Paul%20Matwejewski.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The Lord provided insight into the meaning behind this profound discourse: John arrived, abstaining from food and drink, adhering to a rigorous lifestyle befitting a desert ascetic and Nazarene, and the reaction was, ‘He has a demon.’ In contrast, the Son of Man approached, partaking in meals and beverages, enjoying communion with others, and they remarked, ‘Look, a man who eats and drinks, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ The wisdom of God demonstrated its righteousness through its children—those simple and faithful souls who found value in John's stern call to repentance as well as in the comforting announcement made by the Lord about the arrival of the gracious kingdom intended for their salvation."},{"author-name":"Alexander Gorsky","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8884037c1e1c51e1332e2_Alexander%20Gorsky.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Oh, what peculiar individuals! To what can I liken them? They resemble those wayward youngsters who, when among their peers, remain unsatisfied with the songs, whether joyful or sorrowful. They (the Pharisees) refrained from approaching John, labeling him as possessed by a demon, and argued that his ascetic lifestyle was proof of their claims. Similarly, they did not seek out the Son of Man, accusing him of being a glutton and a drunkard, a companion to tax collectors and sinners. In contrast, the children of wisdom, as the Savior noted, vindicated the wisdom of God through its directives. They managed to embrace both the sternness of John through the call to repentance and the compassionate grace of the Son of Man in the pursuit of reconciliation with God."}]}
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