Matthew 11:8Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

What do you observe? Are men adorned in luxurious attire? Consider this: those who don splendid garments dwell in the chambers of royalty. These words indicate that John was not inherently unstable, a truth you have confirmed through careful examination. However, it cannot be said that he was originally steadfast; he became weakened by indulgence over time. Some individuals are weak by nature, while others become so gradually. For instance, one may be naturally quick-tempered, while another learns this anger through prolonged suffering. Similarly, some are inherently capricious, while others develop this tendency through a life of excess and pleasure.

To prevent anyone from claiming that John succumbed to indulgence and became spoiled, the Lord declares to them, 'Absolutely not!' His worn clothing indicates his aversion to luxury. Had he donned fine robes and sought comfort, he would have resided in palatial quarters rather than in confinement. Therefore, understand that a genuine follower of Christ ought not to adorn themselves in soft apparel.

“Is the one dressed in fine clothing the distinguished individual?” This second inquiry clarifies the first. The Scriptures affirm that John did not wear luxurious attire, as it is stated that “he was clothed with a garment of camel's hair” (cf. Mark 1:6, Matthew 3:4). Similarly, the term "reed" (Matt. 11:7) should not be interpreted literally. He believed without hesitation. Just as John was not a flimsy reed, he was also not adorned in fine clothing. “Such are in the king's palaces” (cf. Matt. 11:8), and certainly not in the wilderness.

Perhaps he is motivated by jealousy against Me, and his message is aimed at obtaining empty accolades, seeking personal benefit from it. What would he truly desire wealth for? Is it to indulge in gourmet meals? Yet, he subsists on locusts and wild honey! Or is it to don extravagant apparel? His attire consists solely of camel's hair! Such sustenance and garments are only welcomed in prison, and the proclamation of truth finds refuge in such places. In contrast, those who are sycophants, pursuing profit and longing for riches, ensnared by pleasures, and adorning themselves in fine clothes, reside in royal quarters. Hence, a disciplined life and unwavering proclamation should steer clear of the opulence of kings and evade the chambers filled with indulgence.

What were you expecting to witness? A man adorned in luxurious attire, signifying indulgence and presenting an image of vulnerability and inconsistency? Or perhaps someone who has endured hardship, as indicated by his clothing and diet? Those clad in fine garments dwell in palaces. Yet this individual once inhabited the wilderness and is now confined. While some are frivolous by nature and others become so through excessive indulgence, Christ highlighted both types to demonstrate that none of these descriptions could apply to John the Baptist. He then delivers a genuine verdict, substantiates it with truth, and weaves a splendid crown of commendation for the Baptist.

Inquire of John the Theologian regarding the Lord's garment, and consider the implications of donning fine, delicate, and richly colored attire as it pertains to the practice of asceticism for the sake of God. He will affirm, "But His chiton is not shaven; it is all from above” (John 19:20). It is well known that the garment favored by the humble Galileans, who appreciated such a piece, holds little worth and is crafted with modest skill. Seek understanding from the divine Matthew, who recounts the life of John the Baptist, and he will inform you that John referred to his attire as derived from the possessions of the Believers (Matthew 3:4). Observe how the wise and God-inspired Luke illustrates Herod's pride, criticizing the garments he wore (Acts 12:21).

In connection with His message, the Saviour inquires: What is it that you have come to witness? Is it a man adorned in luxurious attire? Indeed, those who wear fine clothing reside in the palaces of worldly rulers. Yet John is depicted as wearing garments made of camel's hair. Why mention that those in elegant attire dwell in royal quarters if not to emphasize that it is not for a heavenly monarch, but rather for earthly ones, that those who shy away from hardship for God seek after worldly comforts, remaining fixated only on fleeting pleasures? Thus, one should not presume that a desire for luxury and fine clothing bears no fault; if there were no issue inherent in this, our Lord would not have praised John for the roughness of his clothing.

What did you expect to find in the wilderness? Were you looking for someone dressed in luxurious attire? In truth, he was not a companion of this present age indulging in its pleasures. Did you not notice his attire of camel's hair and the leather belt that encircled his waist? His diet consisted of locusts and wild honey, which reflected his rejection of worldly possessions; he lived in this world but was not of it. He entered the world, not to dwell within it, but to reveal its emptiness. He came into the world—not for its fleeting treasures—but to save those lost in sin by guiding them toward righteousness. This world presents many temptations that lead to corruption.

If not this, if John resembled not a reed, what were you observing? Were you gazing upon a pampered individual clad in delicate and fine garments? Your careful scrutiny has demonstrated that John was not inherently unstable; yet it cannot be claimed that he became weak later due to indulgence in luxury. Adorned in a rough garment made of camel's hair, he did not exchange it for something light and luxurious; opting for wild honey and locusts, he sought no exquisite delicacies; accustomed to residing in the wilderness, he did not require opulent quarters. Indeed, John was no servant of luxury! Those adorned in fine attire, parading in extravagant clothing, dwell in royal chambers.

John boldly reproached Herod for his unlawful relationship with his brother's spouse, yet Herod, despite this rebuke, held him in high regard and sought his counsel. Had John yielded to the temptations of worldly pleasures and comforts, he could have easily secured great prestige in the royal court simply by remaining silent; however, he chose imprisonment over palace luxuries and would not compromise by speaking falsehoods or choosing silence.

The "soft garments" mentioned refer to the light and fine linen attire associated with the affluent, those who indulge in opulence, which serve more as decorative embellishments than as proper clothing. Was there any sign of such finery on John? Did he ever yearn for not only extravagance but even the basic comforts of existence? Can we assume that during his time in prison, he could not withstand the toil of life, and in his pursuit of worldly ease, compromised his character and calling? The evidence that John was not beholden to luxury is evident in his choice of clothing, as well as in his life in the wilderness and captivity.

The inquiry posed by John's disciples upon reaching Jesus could have led to unwarranted doubts regarding John among those who heard them. Individuals might have perceived him as indecisive, having previously made bold proclamations only to contradict them later, potentially softening his stringent lifestyle during his imprisonment. Understanding ‘the secret thoughts of all,’ the Lord chose to address John only after his disciples had departed, to avoid any appearance of ‘flattery’ (St John Chrysostom). By invoking the genuine sentiment of those who had witnessed the Forerunner in the wilderness, Jesus emphasized that John had remained consistent in his character: ‘What have ye gone out into the wilderness to see? Is it a walking stick, shaken by the wind?