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Cindy Jennings
Supporter
What is the significance of what John the Baptist ate?
Matthew 3:4
ESV - 4 Now John wore a garment of camel's hair and a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey.
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Asked May 07 2015
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Tracy Garwe
Supporter
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Cindy Jennings
Supporter
John the Baptist symbolized what all pastors should be--totally humble, willing to allow himself to fade away in order to promote Jesus as the Son of God. He took this to the extreme with what he wore and what he ate. Compare, for instance, his coat of camel hair to the fine robes and ornamental accessories worn by the priests, both in the OT and the NT. In the OT, it was because the priests were set apart to be mediators between God and men. They have no such function in the NT yet you still see many priests of every denomination outfitted in greater finery than John the Baptist, or Jesus Himself, ever wore. So just who are they promoting--Jesus or themselves? Jesus spoke of John in Luke 7:24-28 and indicated that there was not a greater prophet than John. He specifically indicated that fine clothing was NOT an indicator of a prophet's greatness (Luke 7:25), which was a direct dig at the Pharisees and their finery. John the Baptist chose to live a very humble life, dedicated to God. He stands as an example to us all.
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