Neville Goddard on Matthew 11:16-19 - Mystical Bible Interpretation

Read Matthew 11 in context

Scripture Focus

16But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows,

17And saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented.

18For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil.

19The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.

Matthew 11:16-19

Biblical Context

Jesus critiques his generation for misjudging both John and Himself. He declares that true wisdom is proven by those who recognize it.

Neville's Inner Vision

Beloved, this generation in the market is your present state of consciousness arguing with appearances. John’s abstinence—neither eating nor drinking—stands for the rigid discipline you sometimes prize as virtue, yet the outer world calls him devil because you fear a stern life will dry your joy. The Son of Man who ate and drank represents the warm, inclusive life you fear will compromise you; the crowd calls him a glutton and a friend of sinners. Both are your inner voices trying to express truth, and you invalidate one while applauding the other. Yet the verse asserts: wisdom is justified of her children. That is your inner wisdom insisting on itself by the results of your lived experience. When you recognize that neither external form defines reality, you awaken the I AM within—the one consciousness that notices, chooses, and revives. You do not need to condemn John or celebrate Jesus; you need to align with the inner discernment that simply knows what is true for you in this present moment.

Practice This Now

Assume you are the observer in the market of life; revise any judgment about John or Jesus by affirming, 'Only my inner wisdom is real.' Feel this truth as a lived reality for one minute.