John the Baptist's Doubts

John Has Doubts. John must have thought about these events over and over again while he was in prison (Matt. 11:2). Initially, he must have believed that his imprisonment was just part of their mission or divine cause. But the first few verses of our study (Matt. 11:2-6; Luke 7:18-23) reveal that John the Baptist started having doubts about Jesus.

This report concerning Him went out all over Judea and in all the surrounding district. The disciples of John reported to him about all these things. Summoning two of his disciples, John sent them to the Lord, saying, “Are You the Expected One, or do we look for someone else?” (NASB) Luke 7:17-19

As the months passed, John must have started wondering if he had made a mistake. As many of us do when things do not go as we expected, he may have started having “second thoughts.” He must have thought, “Why am I still in prison?” “When is Jesus going to start the kingdom?” “When will I be released from my prison?” “How does the forgiveness of our sins fit into Jesus’ plan?” “Why isn’t something important happening?” “Is Jesus really the Messiah?

It is clear from our review of John’s life that he had believed Jesus was the Messiah and God, since he said, “He existed before me.” John would not have declared that Jesus was “the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world” if he was not convinced that Jesus was on a divine mission.

After hearing about the miracles that Jesus was performing, John was apparently either more confused or had more doubts. So he sent two of his disciples to Jesus in order to discover the answer to the question that had been nagging him. He sent his disciples because he did not have a cell-phone, e-mail, postal mail, a fax machine, or any modern means of communication. When his disciples arrived, they repeated John’s question.

When the men came to Him, they said, “John the Baptist has sent us to You, to ask, ‘Are You the Expected One, or do we look for someone else?’” (NASB) Luke 7:20

In response, Jesus did not preach a sermon about belief, pray for them, give them an electronic sermon, or hand them a book. Jesus simply performed many miracles.

At that very time He cured many people of diseases and afflictions and evil spirits; and He gave sight to many who were blind. (NASB) Luke 7:21

And He answered and said to them, “Go and report to John what you have seen and heard: the BLIND RECEIVE SIGHT, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the POOR HAVE THE GOSPEL PREACHED TO THEM. (NASB) Luke 7:22

Some have said that John did not have any doubts. They believe that John wanted the question asked in order to help his disciples believe in Jesus. But if we look closely at this last verse, we discover that Jesus did not encourage the two disciples to believe in Him. If the issue was with John’s disciples, then the performance of the miracles should have been enough. But John was the one who had the doubts as indicated by Jesus’ words, “Go and report to John . . .” The miracles were primarily for John. John was the one having doubts. John’s disciples might have had doubts too since their leader was having doubts, but the miracles were designed for John.

Having Doubts? Have you ever had doubts about Jesus even though you call yourself a Christian? If so, then it is important to know that many in the early church had doubts about Jesus too! Thomas, one of Jesus’ twelve disciples, had doubts after Jesus returned to life and then later believed. His story can be found in John 20:24-29.

If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself. (NASB) 2 Tim. 2:13

While the words assure us that our salvation depends upon God, the words also indicate that even Christians might waver in their faith towards God. So we should not be surprised to find the following words in the book of Hebrews.

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful . . . (NASB) Heb. 10:23

Christians down through time have had their moments of doubting. The great preachers of the centuries did too! Here is one such example,

I once told my congregation that I had passed through a season of doubt and fear. One of my elders said to me, “Sir, I am sorry you told the people that. Just suppose you had been swearing or stealing, you would not have told them of it?” “No, I answered: that would be a terrible thing.” “Well,” he replied, “I don’t think it is much worse than not believing God; and , if you go and tell the people that, you are a bad example.” - Spurgeon.