Matthew 11:8
Thursday, 26 June 2025
But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Indeed, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. Matthew 11:8
“But what you went out to see? A man having been enrobed in fine cloaks? You behold! Those wearing the fines, they are in the kings’ houses” (CG).
In the previous verse, Jesus asked the crowds what they went into the wilderness to see. Was it a reed shaken by the wind? Now, He asks again, saying, “But what you went out to see?”
The thought beginning with “but” dismisses the previous thought. “No, it can’t be for that reason. Maybe it was for another reason. How about, ‘A man having been enrobed in fine cloaks?’”
The word malakos is introduced. It signifies soft. By extension, that would carry to the idea of fine clothing, but also of a soft, effeminate person. That is how Paul uses it in 1 Corinthians 6:9. In this case, Jesus is referring to it in the sense of enrobing a person.
If the people were looking for a particular type of person, the garments would be an indicator for them concerning a particular category. Maybe the people were looking for someone who possessed wisdom like a scribe, wealth like a nobleman, or power like a king. Maybe it was someone who could impress the people like a magician.
Each of these would normally have particular clothing to match their lifestyle. The finest of them all at this period would be the king. Therefore, Jesus exclaims, “You behold! Those wearing the fines, they are in the kings’ houses.”
Is this what they went out to see? Because if that were the case, they went to the wrong place. In going out to the wilderness, one would expect someone roughly attired. This is, in fact, how John was dressed, as noted in Matthew 3:4 –
“Now John himself was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey.”
Indeed, some prophets and wise men of the past lived well while serving the kings. Daniel, for example, was in the king’s court of Babylon and later under Persian kings. However, if the people heard of someone calling out in the wilderness, they would expect something entirely different.
Jesus’ question, therefore, begs another negative answer. “No, not at all. That is not what we went out to see.” He is asking them to think through what would lead them into the wilderness and what it meant that they came to John to hear his message.
Life application: One can generally get an immediate sense of what to expect when walking into a church and seeing the pastor. When you walk into an independent fundamental Baptist church, you will often see a person with a short haircut who is wearing an inexpensive monotoned suit and tie.
If you walk into a charismatic church, you might see someone wearing a suit that is flashier, no tie, and the colors are intended to draw attention to the speaker.
The mega-church style will often have someone wearing skinny jeans, expensive leather shoes with flat-toe ends to make his feet look longer than they are, and wearing a dress shirt with no coat or tie. The sleeves may be rolled up as if he is in a conference, expecting results from those around the table.
Once the individual is seen, you can make a guess as to what his style of preaching will be. These are just generalizations, but the style of clothing attracts people. If you want formal, stuffy religion, you will go to a church with pre-designed robes, maybe poofy hats, etc.
Along with the appearance of the pastor, the style of music is a huge draw for many people. It may even be what keeps people coming back. All of these things are externals and really have nothing to do with the quality of the material to be presented. What should matter, first and foremost, is adherence to the Bible.
Unfortunately, this is often hardly a consideration at all. In some churches, the Bible is all but ignored. When you go to church, what do you expect to see? Jesus asked the people why they went out to see John. He will explain what they received when they did so.
When you go to church, are you sitting under a great teacher of the word? A great orator, regardless of how he explains the word, a flashy person whose message stirs the emotions, a showman who speaks in nonsensical tongues and makes people’s stunted legs grow right in front of your eyes?
What are you going to church for? Evaluate that and consider what it is that motivates you to go at all. The answer should be Jesus. Above all, you should want to learn about Jesus, God incarnate.
The only way you are going to receive that properly is by hearing the word that tells of Jesus explained to you. Go to church expecting to find Jesus. That will be the most rewarding church experience of them all.
Glorious God, forgive us when we make going to church about ourselves. We may want to hear a band give us emotional songs, or we may go in hopes of being told everything will be ok. We may go with the intent of making business connections. Lord, help us to be motivated to learn about You. May You be our desire at all times, particularly when we go to church. Amen.
