Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and report to John what you hear and see: those who are blind receive sight and those who limp walk, those with leprosy are cleansed and those who are deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is any person who does not take offense at Me” (Matthew 11:4-6, New American Standard Bible).

If John the Baptist could have doubts, anybody can. He recognized Jesus before either of them was born (Luke 1:44). He devoted his life to his mission as the Messiah’s forerunner, proclaiming His soon coming and baptizing Jesus to initiate His ministry. John knew who Jesus was.

However, while Jesus was traveling around Galilee, proclaiming the Gospel and gathering followers, John the Baptist was languishing in prison. Instead of a place of honor in the Messianic kingdom, he anticipated impending execution. Was Jesus really the Messiah? Had John the Baptist missed the mark? Was his entire life and ministry a mistake?

So, he sent some of his disciples to ask Jesus, “Are you the Coming One, or are we to look for someone else?” (Matthew 11:3). Jesus did not give a yes-or-no answer. Instead, He invited John’s envoys to see what He was doing and report back what they saw. Jesus listed standard activities in His ministry, all of which the Messiah would do, according to prophecy (Isaiah 35:5; 61:1).

Jesus acted. The witnesses would report; John the Baptist would have to decide what he thought.

The pattern stays the same. We read the report of Jesus’ witnesses in the Gospels. Other people may have told us how Jesus changed their lives. We listen and decide whether we believe or not based on the testimony.

If John the Baptist could have second thoughts, any of us can have doubts, no matter how long we have followed Jesus. Do not grow discouraged. Do not give up. Ask questions. Seek answers. Let Jesus speak to you through His chosen witnesses: Scripture, the Holy Spirit, and other believers. Perhaps today’s doubts will become tomorrow’s increased faith.

What do you do when doubts arise in your mind and heart? How do you resolve them?

Copyright © 2023 Michael E. Lynch. All rights reserved.