And when the messengers of John were departed, he began to speak unto the people concerning John,
What went you out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind?
All Commentaries on Luke 7:24 Go To Luke 7
Greek Expositor
AD 1000
Now these things were spoken by our Lord after the departure of John's disciples, for He would not utter the praises of the Baptist while they were present, lest His words should be counted as those of a flatterer.
We have also an infallible testimony to John's way of life in his manner of clothing, and his imprisonment, into which he never would have been cast had he known howto court princes; as it follows, but what went you out for to see? A man clothed with soft raiment? Behold they who are gorgeously appareled, and live delicately, are in kings' houses. By being clothed with soft raiment, he signifies men who live luxuriously.
But by the words which follow, Before your face, he signifies nearness of time, for John appeared tomen close to the coming of Christ. Wherefore must he indeed be considered more than aprophet, for those also who in battle fight close to the sides of kings, are their most distinguished and greatest friends.
