346th Post Jesus on Harsh Words for the Religious System - Con't. - Matthew 11: 7 -10.

Matthew 11: 7-10.
What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Indeed, those who wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. But what did you see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet. For this is he of whom it is written: "Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, who will prepare Your way before You." And from the days of John Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. And if you are willing to receive it, it is Elijah who is to come. He who has ears to hear, let him hear! But to what shall I liken this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their companions, and saying: "We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we mourned to you and you did not lament." For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, "He has a demon." The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, "Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners! But wisdom is justified by her children.
This was spoken by Jesus about 1.1/2 years into His earthly Ministry; as the disciples of John the Baptist were departing from Jesus after they asked if Jesus was the Christ, or should they look for another. Jesus starts out by asking the people who they went out into the wilderness to see, a reed shaken by the wind? This was is direct response to John's disciples coming to ask Jesus that question. Jesus answer was No! Clearly, Jesus knew John's heart. If you look back in Scripture, you will see that the prophets wavered a little after they had been used by God. John the Baptist was looking for a Messiah, more on the apocolyptic side, and Jesus was more on the grace and teaching side. The apocolyptic side will be the way Jesus comes back to earth. Jesus then asked the people if they went out in the wilderness seeking a man dressed in fine clothes? No! You found a rugged man dressed in camel hair with a large belt around his waist. Seems there was someone else that fit that discription, his name was Elijah. Jesus said that John the Baptist was more than a prophet. He did the job of Elijah. This opens the door for an Elijah, type to be one of the witnesses during the Tribulation period. I am running out of space, will continue next post.