“What went ye out for to see?”

I have been taking a New Testament class for school. I have learned some things I have never thought of before. I would like to share one of those nuggets here.

Phrases are often repeated in the scriptures to emphasize importance. One phrase stuck out to me this week. In Matt 11:7-9, Jesus repeated the question “What went ye out for to see?” 3 times when asking the multitude why they sought after John the Baptist.  He was asking why the people went to see The Baptist. was it for curiosity, truth, or even knowledge.This question stuck a little. Why did Jesus repeat this particular phrase? What is its significance to me?

After sometime pondering a thought was put into my mind; why do I go to church?What do I expect from my attendance? I took the time to ponder this question. I was just given a nugget of a truth. A truth that could change the way I perceive my actions.

When you dig down into the question “What went ye out for to see?”, it means why did you go? What do you expect to find? What do you want to learn from a particular situation? If situations are looked at with these questions in mind, activities can be more enriching. Growth can occur at a faster pace.

When thinking about what I want to get out of activities like church attendance, I start to focus on what I want to learn from my lessons or the talks that are given. How can I apply the principles or doctrines, of the gospel in life?  Pondering the deeper meanings of talks, or the reasons for different activities will help me develop a deeper understanding of gospel topics.

This question Jesus asked can be applied to any situation we find ourselves in. Why are we doing this activity? What do I want to learn? Why am I here? When these questions are asked with a sincere heart great knowledge and truths will come.

I encourage you to ask yourself “What went ye out for to see?” and find the deeper meanings your life.