Our Doubts and His Assurances

Luke 7:19

New King James Version

And John, calling two of his disciples to him, sent them to Jesus, saying, “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?”

For Encouragement

How did John the Baptist move from clarity about Jesus’ ministry to wondering, while in prison, whether Jesus was truly the Messiah.  (Lk. 7:18-23? Although he identified Jesus as the Lamb of God (Jn. 1:29) and testified that the Father revealed Jesus’ identity through the Spirit at His baptism (Jn. 1:32-34), he later sent messengers to ask if Jesus is the One or if they should expect another (Lk. 7:18-19). What changed between Bethany and his time in prison?

Life has a way of dribbling our expectations when adversity stretches our patience. Things do not seem like what they were at first, and we question certain realities. How many saints have not questioned the faithfulness of God in their dark alleys? How many haven’t given up hope because what was clear to them in the beginning does not seem to be what they are now?

John likely experienced this when he was imprisoned for condemning Herod’s unlawful marriage to Herodias (Mk. 6:17-18). If Jesus is the Messiah, why is there prevailing disbelief among the people despite the enormous crowds? Is proclaiming freedom for the prisoner and setting the oppressed free not part of His Messianic agenda (Lk. 4:18-19)? Injustice prevails and has condemned him to this long, solitary confinement, and the Messiah is around? Maybe John expected  Jesus to  do something about his situation or speak against it. Even a visit would help, but Jesus’ silence surprises and disappoints him, leaving him to wonder. Is He the Messiah or is He not? This experience mirrors what many face when expectations go unmet.

Many argue that John did not stumble in faith, but that he needed assurance about the direction of Jesus’ ministry at his lowest point in life. That, they point out, is why, in response to John’s query, Jesus cured many diseases, sicknesses, and evil spirits, and gave sight to the blind and told John’s messengers to report to him what they had seen. Most importantly, He was proclaiming the good news to the poor (21-23). Whether John stumbled in faith or just needed assurance of the direction of Jesus’ ministry, one thing is clear. Our humanity makes us vulnerable to emotional turbulence when we go through suffering of many kinds.

So, you are not alone if, in your grief or suffering, you question certain realities you have cherished. If John the Baptist of all people (7:28; 3:21-22) went through such emotional upheaval, you are not from Mars. Like everyone else, you will have your challenges. Yet you cannot remain in that state. You must move beyond your disappointment and ride your storm to victory in Christ. Have hope in Him who suffered as you do and has empathy for you (Heb. 4:14-16). He walks with you (13:5-6; Isa. 43:2) and will never leave you or forsake you (Heb. 13:5-6).

Jesus is who He is and is doing what He has planned before the beginning of time. Just trust Him.  

Pray with Me

Father, strengthen my emotions when I go through the valley of pain and grief. May my faith hold, so that I may not doubt your goodness and nearness to me in my darkest hour, in Christ Jesus. Amen.  

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