31 “Then to what shall I compare the people of this generation? What are they like? 32 They are like children who sit in the marketplace and call to one another, ‘We played the flute for you, but you did not dance. We sang a dirge, but you did not weep.’ 33 For John the Baptist came neither eating food nor drinking wine, and you said, ‘He is possessed by a demon.’ 34 The Son of Man came eating and drinking and you said, ‘Look, he is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ 35 But wisdom is vindicated by all her children.”
Luke 7:31-35 presents a short parable that reveals why many in Jesus’ time would not accept God’s call. Jesus says that people of “this generation” are like children sitting in a public square (the marketplace), complaining that others will not join their games (vv. 31-32). In the ancient world, children copied adult events. A “flute” signaled a wedding dance, a joyful tune. A “dirge” was a funeral lament, a sorrowful chant. The children expect a response to both songs, but get none. Jesus uses this everyday scene to explain a spiritual problem: some people refuse to respond to God, no matter how God speaks.
Jesus then names the contrast. John the Baptist came with strict self-denial—he “neither eats food nor drinks wine” (v. 33). This describes an ascetic life, a life of fasting and restraint meant to turn the heart to God. Many said John “is possessed by a demon.” By contrast, the Son of Man comes “eating and drinking” (v. 34). Jesus shares meals, even with those known as tax collectors and sinners. He reaches people through table fellowship, which in that culture meant welcome and the offer of restored relationship. Yet critics call him a “glutton and a drunkard,” and a “friend of tax collectors and sinners.” These are slurs, not fair judgments. They show a refusal to see the purpose behind each approach.
The point is clear. God called the people through both John and Jesus. John’s austerity was a call to repentance. Jesus’ meals were a sign of God’s mercy and nearness. Different “tunes,” one and the same call: turn to God. Those who rejected John said he went too far. Those who rejected Jesus said he did not go far enough. The problem was not the messengers. The problem was the heart that would not respond.
“Wisdom is vindicated by all her children” (v. 35). In Scripture, “wisdom” often refers to God’s wise plan and saving will. “Vindicated” means shown to be right. “Children” here are those who accept God’s way and live it. Their deeds prove that God’s way is good. When a person repents under John’s stern message, wisdom is shown right. When a person receives mercy at Jesus’ table and begins a new life, wisdom is shown right. Fruit reveals the truth.
This passage also helps us read the larger story of Luke. Luke often shows Jesus at table, healing and teaching there, using meals to reveal the heart of God. He also shows the need for real repentance, not only words but changed life. God’s wisdom uses both fasting and feasting, both lament and joy. There is a time to be humbled by our sins and a time to celebrate God’s forgiveness. The goal is the same: a heart that turns to God and a life that bears good fruit.
It is important to define the terms Jesus uses. “Tax collectors” were local agents of a foreign power and were widely disliked. “Sinners” often refers to those whose public behavior placed them outside the accepted moral or religious life. Jesus does not approve of sin. He seeks sinners so that they can return to God. He shares a table so that mercy can begin a change of life. The slur “friend of tax collectors and sinners” is meant to shame Jesus. In truth, it is a praise: he is the one who draws near to heal and restore.
The parable of the children also helps us examine our own response. Some people respond only to strict warnings and mistrust mercy, fearing it excuses sin. Others accept mercy and resist the call to change. Jesus teaches that both belong together. Repentance without mercy becomes harsh and dry. Mercy without repentance becomes shallow and empty. God’s wisdom brings both: the honest call to turn from sin and the generous welcome that lifts us to new life in him.
Wisdom is vindicated in lives that change—where repentance bears fruit and mercy begins new deeds. We see it where fasting leads to compassion, where prayer leads to service, and where forgiven people become forgiving people. We see it whenever someone hears God’s “dirge” and mourns sin, and then hears God’s “flute” and walks in joy. The test is not which style we prefer. The test is whether we follow God’s call in any tone he uses.
Lord Jesus, give me a ready heart. When you call me to repent, help me to turn without delay. When you invite me to your table of mercy, help me to come with faith and gratitude. Make my life a clear sign that your wisdom is right. Amen.
______________________
Sources and References
- The Holy Bible, New American Bible, Revised Edition (2011).
- The Navarre Bible: Luke, Faculty of the University of Navarre (2008).
- The Paulist Biblical Commentary, ed. Chiu et al. (2018), “Luke.”
- The New Jerome Biblical Commentary, ed. Brown et al. (1990), “Luke.”
Comments