Luke 7:25Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

He has not tainted his thoughts with earthly delights, as his garments indicate his transcendence over all forms of pleasure; additionally, he would reside in lavish quarters if he cherished such indulgences.

It is possible, however, that he differs significantly: he may belong to those who indulge in pleasures, adorn themselves in fine garments, and cherish trivial accolades. Yet, these individuals do not reside in desolate places but in royal courts. In contrast, the attire of the blessed Baptist consisted of camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist.

As all deceptive preaching is motivated by personal gain and aims for the approval of others, since such glory brings profits, the Lord points out that one who wears garments of camel’s hair cannot indulge in flattery. Likewise, he who consumes locusts and wild honey (Matthew 3:4) cannot pursue wealth or earthly delights; a disciplined and austere life steers clear of royal courts, which are sought after by those adorned in purple, fine linen, silk, and luxurious clothing.

What prompted you to venture into the wilderness? Were you in search of a reed swaying in the breeze? What were you hoping to find? A man adorned in fine attire? In these words, the Lord does not focus on garments, even though many are indulged by the pursuit of softer fabrics. Such individuals may claim that they cannot endure the roughness of wool, dragging silken garments along the ground, accustomed to the point where their outerwear becomes a burden. However, I believe He refers to a different kind of garment—human bodies, which are the vessels of our souls. Thus, Joseph's garments bore the stains of blood, reflecting the image of Christ's body.

After John's messengers had departed, he began to address the crowd regarding John. Messengers, those who convey tidings, share a message. What did you travel into the wilderness to observe, a reed swayed by the breeze? What were your expectations? A man adorned in fine garments? Yet, those who don splendid attire and experience extravagant living are found in royal courts. What did you seek to find? Was it a prophet? Indeed, I say to you, and even more than a prophet. This is the one of whom it is written, "Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you." Furthermore, in all these matters, it is understood through divine revelation.

The son of Zacharias, residing in the wilderness, dressed in garments made from animal hides, and subsisting on natural sustenance, likely appeared quite wild to those who are accustomed to fine clothing and comfortable homes (Matt. 11:8). Yet, who could have imagined that he possessed a unique form of greatness that surpassed all those born of women before him?

Whom did they seek? Was it a man adorned in fine garments, lavish and eager to partake in the comforts provided by others? Absolutely not. John, a hermit of the wilderness, was unfamiliar to you in that regard; rather, you were well-acquainted with his ascetic lifestyle, which was characterized by strict discipline.

The inquiry posed by the disciples of John may have led those in the presence of Jesus to question whether the herald of repentance and the coming of the Messiah had altered his perception of Jesus, whom he had previously declared so resolutely as the Anointed One. To dispel any uncertainty regarding John, Christ appeals to the inner convictions of his audience, asking, “What did you go out to see in the wilderness? A man who is inconsistent and unstable, akin to ‘a reed shaken by the wind’? Or a man who is overly concerned with superficial appearance, adapting his words to suit his own advantages, as one ‘clothed in soft garments’? No, indeed. What you witnessed in John is the presence of a prophet.

Jesus turned to the crowd gathered around Him and inquired, "What did you come into the wilderness to see?" In discussing John, Chrysostom reflects, “Was it to observe a pathetic and changeable individual? Certainly not, for such a vast multitude would not have rushed to the desert unless they anticipated encountering a man of strength and steadfastness. Individuals who are flighty and unstable, who utter one thing today and contradict it tomorrow, are like a reed that sways in the wind, seen along the banks of the Jordan. However, John was not such a figure; you did not come merely to see a frail reed blown by the breeze. John boldly confronted Herod regarding his unlawful union with his brother’s wife, yet Herod held him in high esteem and sought his counsel.

In the Gospel according to Matthew, it can be suggested that the Savior made His presence known in the areas of the wilderness where John the Baptist preached, addressing the crowds who were still unaware of John's imprisonment and continued to come to him. This notion gains clarity when we consult the Gospel of Luke, where the past perfect tense is employed consistently to indicate that the people had come out—ἐξεληλύθατε. This grammatical form suggests either a recently completed action or one with clear remnants. Once the crowds had departed from the wilderness, there would be no remaining indications of their previous presence. Thus, it leads us to the conclusion that, following John's imprisonment, the Lord manifested Himself in the wilderness.

The inquiry posed by the disciples of John to Jesus could have prompted various inappropriate speculations about John himself among the listeners. They might have perceived him as inconsistent, someone who had previously spoken boldly and now displayed uncertainty, potentially having softened his earlier rigorous lifestyle during his confinement. Understanding ‘the hidden thoughts of all,’ the Lord chose to address the matter concerning John only after his disciples departed, so as not to seem as if he were merely flattering him. Through Jesus’ remarks aimed at those who witnessed the Forerunner in the wilderness, it became evident that John remained steadfast: ‘What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? But what went ye out for to see?