Matthew 3:4 Commentary and Bible Study

John lived his message and all the people were aware of his lifestyle. It was a lifestyle that was consistent with his message, and the same should be true of every minister of the gospel. Without this a preacher says two different things at once. His mouth says one thing and his life says another, and there is no power in what he says for he contradicts himself. John had a very particular ministry. He came to call the people to repentance, and part of that repentance involved turning away from covetousness and luxuries of life. Luke records that when he was asked by the people what they should do, he answered that he who has two coats should give one of them to him who has none, a very practical instruction, but one which embodied the message which the circumstances called for: a message of repentance.In agreement with this message, John lived a very simple lifestyle and shunned all affluence. He dressed not in the finery of the nobility or kings, but in rustic and rough garments. Christ later drew attention to this: ‘But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses.’ (Matthew 11:8). He ate locusts and wild honey as the Lord provided for his needs. Locusts had their heads and wings removed and were cooked, but it was a very simple food; not only John but many poor people followed such a diet. He was seen as a plain man, not vaunting himself, and this helped people grasp that he was not doing something for himself. Subsequently, the people drew a contrast between John the Baptist and Christ, and their lifestyles were certainly different, but they had different ministries and each lived according to their message. Christ highlighted the difference between them, and yet the appropriateness of each ministry: ‘Whereunto then shall I liken the men of this generation? and to what are they like? They are like unto children sitting in the marketplace, and calling one to another, and saying, “We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned to you, and ye have not wept.” For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine; and ye say, He hath a devil. The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners! But wisdom is justified of all her children’ (Luke 7:31-35).