What did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? People who wear fine clothes live in palaces.
Commentaries
11:2 - 11:19
About John the Baptist.
When Matthew discusses the Baptist, he often speaks indirectly to his followers, who, even decades later, had not yet decided to join the Christian community. Jesus responds about his identity and mission not by theorizing but by showing miracles and signs performed for the poor and the excluded (8f), in which the echoes of the prophecies are heard (Is 35:5f; 61:11). Those who reject him violently oppose his messengers, as is happening in the communities Matthew is addressing; it continues today and will always be so.
Commentaries
About John the Baptist.
When Matthew discusses the Baptist, he often speaks indirectly to his followers, who, even decades later, had not yet decided to join the Christian community. Jesus responds about his identity and mission not by theorizing but by showing miracles and signs performed for the poor and the excluded (8f), in which the echoes of the prophecies are heard (Is 35:5f; 61:11). Those who reject him violently oppose his messengers, as is happening in the communities Matthew is addressing; it continues today and will always be so.