Jesus continued, "But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously appareled, and live delicately, are in kings' courts." John had been called to reprove the sins and excesses of his time, and his plain dress and self-denying life 219 were in harmony with the character of his mission. Rich apparel and the luxuries of this life are not the portion of God's servants, but of those who live "in kings' courts," the rulers of this world, to whom pertain its power and its riches. Jesus wished to direct attention to the contrast between the clothing of John, and that worn by the priests and rulers. These officials arrayed themselves in rich robes and costly ornaments. They loved display, and hoped to dazzle the people, and thus command greater consideration. They were more anxious to gain the admiration of men than to obtain the purity of heart which would win the approval of God. Thus they revealed that their allegiance was not given to God, but to the kingdom of this world.

Jesus fortsatte: "Nej, hvorfor gik I ud, for at se et menneske klædt i bløde klæder? Se, de der går i prægtige klæder og lever i vellevned, de er i kongers sale." Johannes var blevet kaldet til at dadle sin tids synd og udskejelser, og hans tarvelige klæder og selvfornægtende liv stemte overens med hans særlige kald. Rige klæder og dette livs nydelser tilkommer ikke Guds tjenere, men dem, som lever "i kongers sale", denne verdens herskere, for hvem dens magt og rigdom passer. Jesus ønskede at få opmærksomheden henledt på modsætningen mellem Johannes' klædedragt og den, der blev båret af præsterne og rådsherrerne. Disse embedsmænd klædte sig i rige dragter og bar kostbare smykker. De elskede pragtudfoldelse og håbede at blænde folket og således fremtvinge større hensyntagen. De higede mere efter at vinde menneskers beundring end efter at opnå den hjertets renhed, der kunne vinde Guds bifald. Således åbenbarede de, at det ikke var til Gud, de havde viet sig, men til denne verdens riger.