11/26 Matthew 11:19

¹⁹ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!'Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds."

Jesus had explained that John the Baptist fulfilled the prophecy regarding the return of Elijah. He was to come and prepare the way for the Messiah. He lived and ascetic life in the wilderness. Jesus' ministry was in the villages and towns. He accepted invitations to dine. The religious establishment rejected both of them.

Jesus used a parable to explain what they were like. In most villages the only change in the routine of life was for weddings or funerals. The whole village would stop working and participate. Children would mimic those special times by playing flutes and dancing as if in a wedding or by singing dirges as if at a funeral. Jesus said those children illustrated what was going on when they said to their playmates, "We played the flute for you but you wouldn't dance. We sang a dirge for you but you wouldn't mourn (Matthew 11:17)."

In other words, John's call to repentance didn't stir peoples' hearts. Jesus' miracles didn't either. It is easier to point the finger of accusation than to hear the message and be changed. They said John had a demon and that Jesus was a gluttonous drunk. But the proof is in the pudding. Wisdom is justified by her deeds. The acts of the wise will bear fruit unto God; hearts are transformed and lives are changed.

Consider: We must be careful when we are tempted to make accusations toward an effective ministry. Ask yourself if the message is true. The fruit of wisdom is lives drawn to God.