As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.
(Mat 11:7-9)
As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.”
Matthew 11:7-9
Jesus commends John the Baptist in the remainder of this passage as a man, among those born of a women, whom no one is equal. It struck me when Jesus drew an analogy to liken his greatness. He asked if those who had gone to see him had gone to see a man dressed in soft clothing and assures them that those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. As in you can tell a man upon looking at him belonged to kings’ houses by his soft clothes and fine linen; his fine appearance gave his place of inhabitance away.
What about John? By any standards, his appearance indicated that he belonged no where. John wore a garment of camel’s hair and a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. The kingdom of God became so real within his heart, it changed his outward appearance. He was so convinced in his mind and in his heart of a greater and better home that it didn’t matter what he wore. He had his gaze singularly fixed heavenward. The man had seen heaven. And so he witnessed out to a generation with his entrusted revelation: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”