To what, then, can I compare the men of this generation?: Jesus compares Israel to fickle children in the marketplace who play games of make-believe. They called John the Baptist to dance (a wedding game), but the serious prophet refused. Instead, he called them to mourn and repent of their sins.
Then they called on Jesus to mourn (a funeral game), but he was the bridegroom who announced the joyful celebration banquet of the kingdom of God. It would not have been appropriate for him to mourn (compare Mark 2:19–20).