Matthew 11:7 – 10

7 As they departed, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind?

8 But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Indeed, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses.

9 But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet.

10 For this is he of whom it is written:

‘Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way before You.’

Jesus begins to speak about John the Baptist to the multitude which remain with Him. His thoughts reflect on the characteristics of John, a man who would be like a reed shaken by the wind would be one which is easily swayed by the times and events, a reed is tall and every breeze moves it. A man like the reed has little stability. John was not that kind of a man.

A man which is accustomed to fine clothes would be like a man accustomed to a soft and luxurious life of the royal palaces. He would not be comfortable working in the wilderness. The prophecies regarding John had told that John would be operating in the wilderness, so no one should have been surprised because wore camel hair, Matthew and Mark in their accounts (Matthew 3:4, Mark 1:6) describe him as wearing camel hair clothing with a leather belt, and he ate locusts and wild honey. Not the description of a man who lived in the palaces.

The multitudes went out to see John, a prophet, but he was more than a prophet. He was one who was the fulfillment of other prophecies. Thus he was more than a prophet.

Jesus refers to the predictions that had been made about John. (Isaiah 40:3 – 4, Malachi 3:1) These prophecies are in the word of God, God says John is His messenger which will go before Jesus and prepare the way for Jesus to bring the Gospel to the Jews.