Luke 7:33 – “For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In this verse, Jesus continues His rebuke of the people who rejected both John the Baptist and Himself. He points out that John lived an extremely disciplined, self-denying life. He didn’t indulge in common comforts like bread and wine but lived in the wilderness, ate locusts and wild honey (Matthew 3:4), and followed a strict lifestyle. Yet, instead of recognizing John as a prophet and honoring his message, many people accused him of being possessed by a demon.
This accusation was a way for the people to dismiss John’s message without actually addressing its substance. They labeled him as mentally unstable or spiritually dangerous to justify their rejection of his call to repentance. Jesus highlights this to expose the people’s inconsistency: they criticized John for being too strict, but they would also criticize Jesus for being too open and accepting (Luke 7:34). The issue wasn’t John’s lifestyle—it was their unwillingness to submit to God’s message.
Historical Context
John the Baptist’s ministry was characterized by a lifestyle of simplicity and austerity. He lived in the wilderness, wore camel’s hair, and practiced fasting and other forms of self-denial (Mark 1:6). His lifestyle was a prophetic symbol of repentance and separation from the world. In Jewish culture, prophets often lived in ways that demonstrated their commitment to God, and John followed this pattern.
However, many people, particularly the religious leaders, found John’s lifestyle extreme and unsettling. Instead of viewing him as a prophet, they accused him of being demon-possessed. In ancient Jewish thought, someone who exhibited strange or extreme behavior could be viewed as under demonic influence. The religious leaders likely used this accusation to discredit John and avoid taking his call to repentance seriously.
Theological Implications
This verse reveals the danger of spiritual blindness and the human tendency to reject God’s messengers when their message is uncomfortable. John’s call to repentance was meant to prepare people for the coming of the Messiah, but many rejected it because it required them to acknowledge their sin and change their ways. Instead of responding with humility, they found excuses to dismiss him.
It also highlights the fact that people often judge by external appearances rather than spiritual truth. The religious leaders focused on John’s unusual lifestyle and used it as an excuse to reject his message. This shows that accepting God’s truth requires looking beyond surface-level judgments and being willing to let God’s message challenge us.
Additionally, this verse shows that rejecting God’s messengers is often a sign of deeper resistance to God Himself. The people who rejected John weren’t just rejecting his lifestyle—they were rejecting the repentance and spiritual renewal that God was offering through him.
Literary Analysis
Jesus uses contrast and irony to make His point. John the Baptist, with his strict lifestyle and intense call to repentance, is described as being rejected for supposedly having a demon. This sets up the contrast in the next verse, where Jesus describes Himself as being rejected for the opposite reason—because He associated with sinners and enjoyed meals with them. This literary technique highlights the inconsistency of the people’s rejection: no matter what approach God used, they found reasons to criticize and resist.
The phrase “neither eating bread nor drinking wine” emphasizes John’s extreme self-discipline and separation from ordinary life. This repetition reinforces the idea that John’s lifestyle wasn’t the real reason for the people’s rejection—it was their unwillingness to repent.
Biblical Cross-References
- Matthew 3:1-4 – A description of John’s wilderness lifestyle, including his clothing and diet.
- Mark 1:6 – John’s simple lifestyle as a sign of his prophetic calling.
- Matthew 11:18-19 – A parallel passage where Jesus highlights the rejection of both John and Himself.
- John 5:35 – Jesus calls John a “lamp that burned and gave light,” showing that his role was to point people to the truth.
- 2 Kings 1:8 – The prophet Elijah, whom John is often compared to, also had a rugged appearance and lifestyle, symbolizing his prophetic mission.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse challenges Christians to be cautious about judging others based on appearances or personal preferences. Just as the people dismissed John because of his unusual lifestyle, we can sometimes be quick to dismiss God’s work in others if it doesn’t fit our expectations. True discernment requires looking at the heart of the message and being open to God working in ways that we may not expect.
It also encourages believers to be bold in sharing the truth, even when it’s met with rejection. John’s ministry was difficult, and many people rejected him, but he remained faithful to his calling. Christians today may face similar rejection when they share the Gospel or take a stand for biblical truth, but this verse reminds them to stay faithful, knowing that God’s approval is what matters most.
Additionally, this verse reminds believers to examine their own hearts. Are there areas where we resist God’s correction or truth because it’s uncomfortable? Like the people who rejected John, we can sometimes find excuses to avoid repentance, but God calls us to respond with humility and obedience.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is shown in His persistence in reaching people through different messengers. He sent John to call people to repentance, and when many rejected him, He sent Jesus with a message of grace and healing. This demonstrates God’s patience and His desire to reach people through various means. Even when people resist Him, God continues to offer opportunities for them to turn to Him.
God’s love is also reflected in the way He values obedience over popularity. John wasn’t popular with the religious leaders, but God honored his faithfulness and used him to prepare the way for Jesus. This shows that God’s love isn’t based on worldly success but on faithfulness to His calling.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse sets the stage for the contrast between John’s ministry and Jesus’ ministry, both of which were part of God’s plan to bring salvation. John prepared the way by calling people to repent, and Jesus fulfilled that message by offering forgiveness and new life. The rejection of both John and Jesus reveals the depth of humanity’s resistance to God’s plan, but it also highlights the persistence of God’s love.
Jesus, like John, faced rejection and criticism, but He remained faithful to His mission. His ultimate act of obedience—dying on the cross—demonstrates that God’s love overcomes human rejection and offers salvation to all who are willing to receive it.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Are there times when you have dismissed or judged others based on their appearance or lifestyle without considering their message?
- How can you remain faithful to God’s calling, even when you face rejection or criticism?
- Are there areas in your life where you resist God’s message because it challenges you to change or repent?
- How does John’s example of obedience and faithfulness inspire you in your walk with God?
- How can you be more open to recognizing and accepting God’s work, even when it comes in unexpected forms?
Luke 7:33 is a reminder that following God’s call often involves facing rejection and criticism. It challenges us to remain faithful, humble, and open to God’s truth, even when it’s difficult or unpopular. Most importantly, it points us to the ultimate example of faithfulness—Jesus—who endured rejection so that we could be saved.