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soft raiment?

Matthew 11:7&8
"7 And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind?
8 But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses."

John the Baptist is the GREATEST prophet. 
From prison he sent two of his people to Jesus to ask Him if He was the Messiah? Jesus's answer was to reference prophecies! Tenderly and patiently our Lord and Savior's give John a beatitude; "And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in Me." Blessed is he who does not find a stumbling-block in the how Christ actually came to save the world. Don't second guess how GOD'S plan unfolds.

As this Advent season unfolds we all have the time to make room in our hearts for Jesus. We all can come to terms with how GOD interacts with us; by the Holy Ghost and through His Son. There are many reasons for a person to be "offended" by Jesus Christ. With the help of the Holy Ghost we can get past our stumbling-blocks and embrace believing in Him as the Savior of the world. 

As today's verses continue the representatives of John the Baptizer are leaving and Jesus returns to teaching; "And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind?" Jesus is calling to mind the memories His listeners have of going to the banks of the river Jordan to hear John preach. Jesus is using the imagery from that place and time, the bull rushes that grow along the river. Using symbolism Jesus asks them if they went to see someone who was swayed this way and that way by every windy gust of popular feeling?

Jesus continues "But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses." Jesus is drawing attention to the contrast between the Baptizer and the religious leaders of the day. The "soft raiment" mentioned here was fine linen, and was worn almost decoratively. It's NOT something a person living in the wilderness would wear. "Soft raiment" was an emblem of riches, splendor, and a feebleness of character. John is the opposite of this, he is coarsely dressed, hardy in his character, and his virtue is firm. John is highly qualified to be the harbinger of the Messiah.



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