Why did John the Baptist wear camel hair and eat locust?
John the Baptist, according to scripture, “wore clothing of camel hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey” (Matthew 3:4, NRSV). John’s dress and diet were in the tradition of the Old Testament prophets. John was showing that he was coming in the Prophetic tradition, bringing a message of repentance. John said, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near” (Matthew 3:2). John’s dress and diet reflected his rejection of the conventions of the dominant culture, setting himself apart to bring the message of the coming of the Messiah. — Beth A.
