11:16 {3} But whereunto shall I liken this generation? {e} It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows,
(3) There are none who are more stout and stubborn enemies of the gospel, than they to whom it ought to be most acceptable.
(e) He blames the perverseness of this age, by a proverb, in that they could be moved neither with rough nor gentle dealing.
11:16 To what shall I liken this generation? Compare Lu 7:31-35. The Jewish nation is meant. The Lord shows that they were as capricious as children.
Children sitting in the markets. All ancient towns had an open market place, which was the great place of resort.
11:16 This generation - That is, the men of this age. They are like those froward children of whom their fellows complain, that they will be pleased no way.
11:16-24 Christ reflects on the scribes and Pharisees, who had a proud conceit of themselves. He likens their behaviour to children's play, who being out of temper without reason, quarrel with all the attempts of their fellows to please them, or to get them to join in the plays for which they used to assemble. The cavils of worldly men are often very trifling and show great malice. Something they have to urge against every one, however excellent and holy. Christ, who was undefiled, and separate from sinners, is here represented as in league with them, and polluted by them. The most unspotted innocence will not always be a defence against reproach. Christ knew that the hearts of the Jews were more bitter and hardened against his miracles and doctrines, than those of Tyre and Sidon would have been; therefore their condemnation would be the greater. The Lord exercises his almighty power, yet he punishes none more than they deserve, and never withholds the knowledge of the truth from those who long after it.
