Author's Note: All previous volumes of this series are here. The first 56 volumes are compiled into the book "Bible Study For Those Who Don't Read The Bible." "Part Two," featuring volumes 57-113, was published in December 2022.
Thank you for taking the time to learn about the Word of God. Last week, we discussed what the Bible said about “Clothes in the Old Testament.” If you missed it, catch up now. While we wait, you might enjoy listening to a famous 1983 clothing-related song.
Now we are ready to begin with what the gospels say about the topic. The first mention is Matthew’s description of John the Baptist. This is notable because the introduction of Bible characters doesn’t usually include fashion commentary.
“Now John wore a garment of camel's hair and a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey” (Matthew 3:4).
So, why are John’s clothes described? Several reasons, starting with John channeling Elijah the prophet’s dress in the Old Testament. Elijah rebuked sin and was prepared to lead the way for the people of Israel to return to the Lord:
“He wore a garment of haircloth, with a girdle of leather about his loins.” And he said, ‘It is Elijah the Tishbite’” (2 Kings 1:8). Later in Matthew’s gospel, when John was in prison, Jesus spoke about the Elijah connection to John’s followers:
"Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has risen no one greater than John the Baptist ... and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come" (Matthew 11:11) and (Matthew 11:14). And shortly before that:
“As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: ‘What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces. Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written: “ ‘I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you’” (Matthew 11:7-10).
In the case of John the Baptist, his clothing was also the message. Furthermore, John’s rough haircloth garment was also a sign of repentance, like sackcloth.
Among the most famous clothing verses in the New Testament was part of the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus was teaching about trusting the Lord. Do not be anxious, for He will provide for your material and physical needs. (Matthew 6:25-34). Specifically, about clothes, Jesus said:
"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these" (Matthew 6:28).
Clothes can be used to deceive you into thinking someone is not who they appear to be. That is why con artists who prey on the wealthy are usually well-dressed. In this biblical example, it is people who claim to have been sent by God.
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves” (Matthew 7:15).
Matthew’s Gospel also records the parable of the wedding banquet, where Jesus uses clothing symbolically to make his point. A man is thrown out of the wedding banquet for not wearing wedding clothes, interpreted as the spiritual state one needs to enter the Kingdom of God. And that one should be prepared at any time. Proper behavior (or dress in this case) is evidence of “being chosen.” The parable ends with the familiar verse, “For many are called, but few are chosen."
Even the Transfiguration had a significant Jesus-clothing reference:
“There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light” (Matthew 17:2). (See Vol. 26.) More on this later.
Lastly, in Matthew, Jesus shows disdain for hypocritical temple leaders who do good for show and wear their religious garments to appear important and pious:
“Everything they do is done for people to see: They make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long;..” (Matthew 23:5).
The lesson is that clothing must not be used to elevate oneself or mask hypocrisy. God knows the true self one tries to cover with fancy garments. The Bible emphasizes that real beauty and worth are found in inner character, not outward appearance. (See Vol. 201: “What the Bible says about appearance.”)
Jesus’ teachings that involve clothing serve to illustrate broader spiritual truths:
Trust God to provide for your material needs. Do not use clothes to seek admiration or status; what is most important is what lies beneath your garments, especially your relationship with God.
Moving outside the Gospels. Those same truths are expounded upon. Peter wrote as a warning to women:
“Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious” (1 Peter 3:3-4). St. Paul wrote to Timothy:
“I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God” (1 Timothy 2:9-10).
In Paul’s letter to the Colossians, he wrote a clothing verse with timeless applicability:
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (Colossians 3:12).
Finally, in the Old Testament, Daniel’s prophecy speaks of the “Ancient of Days,” thought to be the Messiah, with white as light clothes:
"As I looked, thrones were placed, and the Ancient of Days took his seat; his clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool; his throne was fiery flames; its wheels were burning fire” (Daniel 7:9).
Then compare Daniel’s messianic description to the Apostle John’s in Revelation:
“And among the lampstands was someone like a son of man, dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire… His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance” (Revelation 1:13-16).
And as discussed earlier, the appearance and garments worn by that “son of man” and “Ancient of Days” messianic figure are compatible with Christ’s clothes at the Transfiguration:
“There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light” (Matthew 17:2).
Upon your passing, if you are fortunate enough to see Jesus, you might recognize Him by the descriptions and prophecies found in the Old and New Testaments.
We have learned that clothes matter on earth and in heaven. However, what you wear must reflect your true self, and not someone you are trying to be, as you serve and glorify the Lord in your daily life. Amen to that!
Myra Kahn Adams is a conservative political and religious writer. Her book, "Bible Study For Those Who Don't Read The Bible," reprints the first 56 volumes of this popular study. "Part 2,” reprints Vols. 57 –113. Order it here.
She is also the Executive Director of the National Shroud of Turin Exhibit, dedicated to building a future permanent Shroud of Turin exhibit in Washington, D.C. Join our effort! Click to attend a major Shroud conference July 31- August 2 in St. Louis. Contact: <MyraAdams01@gmail.com>
Join the conversation as a VIP Member