Matthew 11:2
“When John heard in prison what Christ was doing, he sent his disciples to ask him, “Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?”
John the Baptist doubted whether Jesus of Nazareth was the Messiah? Say it isn’t so! I mean…he baptized the guy himself…they were cousins for goodness sake! How could the famous John the Baptist stoop so low?
Do YOU ever have doubts? Have YOU ever stopped for a moment and wondered, “What if this isn’t true? What if I’m totally wrong about Christianity and the Bible and all of it?” If not, then I guess you are a far better person than I am. Yes…the guy writing this devotional…the “Christian Wacko” on the radio has had his moments of doubt.
Don’t worry. Jesus can take it.
I happen to think that this section of Scripture is absolutely beautiful. John is sitting in prison for being bold enough to tell Herod the truth. Jesus is out and about becoming famous. Perhaps John is wondering why Jesus hasn’t gotten him out of jail. The Bible doesn’t give us any indication of WHY he doubted. He just did.
Jesus’ reaction is the beautiful part. He told the messengers to go back and essentially give witness to what Jesus had been doing. He wasn’t offended. He didn’t get mad. He simply let the facts speak for themselves. John needed encouragement…not a tongue-lashing…and that’s what Jesus gave him.
In my moments of doubt, Jesus calls to me from the Scriptures and tells me to take a look around…to take a look back…and then to take a look forward:
“The Heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge.” Psalm 19:1-2
“Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced, you his servants, the descendants of Abraham, his chosen ones, the children of Jacob.” Psalm 105:5-6
“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” John 14:3
Jesus can handle our doubts. Our job is to trust in His words, His track record, and His promises.
