"Are You the One?"

"When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me." -Matthew 11:2-6

I cannot imagine what John must have felt. His circumstances had changed quite drastically. Before his imprisonment, he had led a flourishing and vibrant ministry but now sat in a dark and dirty prison. And as the days, weeks, and even months drew on, John never expected to experience the doubts and questions that he did. Was Jesus really the Messiah? All the signs pointed towards a resounding yes! Yet as he sat in that prison, John wondered...had he been wrong? John's situation isn't really all that different from ours at times. Every child of God will experience trials and sufferings (1 Peter 4:12-19). And these hard seasons can cause us to question God's Word and promises to us. Yet as we look at John's sufferings, let us examine our own hearts today and find hope in the very person of Jesus. 

He knew, that he knew...

    John the Baptist knew his calling and purpose. He was to be the precursor of the Messiah (Jn 1:22-23). His own ministry was a testament to the fact that God's Son would soon be revealed. That day came as he baptized the people in the river Jordan. His eyes were opened and for the first time he saw Jesus is the Lamb of God (Jn 1:29). This public confession was not mere intellectual knowledge but revelation that could only come through the Holy Spirit! In that pivotal moment, John knew Jesus as the Son of God. Yet, like many of God's generals, John later found himself in a really tough season of life as a direct result of doing good. And these harsh circumstances and unmet expectations caused the prophet to questions what he had previously preached. 

Difficult seasons = questions & doubts. 

    When we experience intense suffering, our emotions will typically betray us and many times the enemy will use this as an opportunity to harass us with doubtful thoughts. So what should we do? I want to point out a big difference in the attitudes of both John the Baptist and Peter when each experienced doubts brought. When Jesus was arrested and taken to the home of the high priest to be tried, Peter's mind must have been racing with questions. As soon as Jesus was taken away, Luke 22:54 says that "Peter followed at a distance." Peter did not forsake his Lord, he continued following Him...but only from afar. Meanwhile as John sat in prison awaiting what his future would bring, questions and doubts filled his mind. Yet in spite of doubting thoughts, John did something that we all need to learn from, Luke 7:18-19 says "John called for two of his disciples and he sent them to the Lord..." In moments of questioning and doubt, John came to Jesus! John came to Jesus and told Him his doubts. And so must we. I think so many times, in moments of frustration and pain, we allow ourselves to grow distant in our relationship with God. We give prayer less priority, seldom go to our small groups, or simply busy ourselves with daily tasks to the point that Jesus becomes an afterthought. John feeling the pain of imprisonment and the condemning thoughts of doubt, ran to Jesus. And, though Scripture does not mention it, I believe that when the two disciples came back to John and brought him word of what they had seen and heard, John's faith was strengthened. 

    

When in doubt, run to Jesus.

    When we experience intense suffering, our emotions will typically betray us and many times the enemy will use this as an opportunity to harass us with doubtful thoughts. For us to have questions and doubts is not a sin. It is simply human. Yet we must be diligent in confronting these mental attacks at the very onset of them. So what should we do? I want to point out a big difference in the attitudes of both John the Baptist and Peter when each experienced doubts brought on by trials. When Jesus was arrested and taken to the home of the high priest to be tried, Peter's mind must have been racing with questions. How could this man, if He truly was the Son of God, allow Himself to be arrested? Did He not know what the Jews planned against Him? As soon as He was taken away, Luke 22:54 says that "Peter followed at a distance." Peter did not forsake his Lord, he continued following Him...but only from afar. Meanwhile as John sat in prison awaiting what his future would bring, questions and doubts filled his mind. Was this man, Jesus, really who He claimed to be? And if He was, now that He was here on Earth why would He allow him to be imprisoned? Yet as thoughts like these roamed in His mind, John did something that we all need to learn from, Luke 7:18-19 says "John called for two of his disciples and he sent them to the Lord..." In moments of questioning and doubt, John came to Jesus! In his moment of doubt, John came to Jesus and told Him his doubts. And so must we. I think so many times, in moments of frustration and pain, we allow ourselves to grow distant in our relationship with God. We give prayer less priority, seldom go to our small groups, or simply busy ourselves with daily tasks to the point that Jesus becomes an afterthought. If we are not careful suffering can drive us away from God. But John feeling the pain of imprisonment and the condemning thoughts of doubt, ran to Jesus and spoke with honesty about the condition of his mind and heart. And, though Scripture does not mention it, I believe that when the two disciples came back to John and brought him word of what they had seen and heard, John's faith was strengthened. "All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away" (Jn 6:37) 

The Word establishes. Works confirm it. 

    When the disciples of John came to question the Lord, Jesus replied in the form of action! Instead of giving them a discourse on apologetics, Jesus simply showed them His works. The Lord knew that the very works He does confirm who He is (Mk 16:20). Jesus encouraged the disciples to "at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves" (Jn 14:11). Though works (signs and wonders) do not establish truth, only God’s Word does that (Ps 119:89) they do help in confirming it. For this reason, Jesus pointed John to the works He did. This, along with his own knowledge of the Scriptures, would be enough to strengthen his faith. When we go through trials and doubt fills our minds, we must look to the works God has done in our own lives. The remedy for doubt is coming humbly and honestly to Jesus and looking to the works He has done and is doing in our lives that help confirm His promises to us. God has not changed. The same answer that He gave John will He give us also when we simply come to Him!

His opinion does not change simply because you do. 

One of the most remarkable qualities of our Lord is His ability to remain constant in His plans, love, and opinion of us even when we falter. After John's disciples left and returned to John, Jesus described John this way: "A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet...I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John" (Lk 7:26 & 28). John had just questioned His very identity. After preaching to the masses,  John doubted his own sermons. Yet what is so amazing to me, is that even after hearing of John's doubts, Jesus' opinion of him does not change! Regardless of our struggles, questions, and even sinful habits Jesus does not look at us any differently. His desire and calling for our life does not change just because we do. And in this we have great hope, because we know that regardless of past mistakes and even present wrongs, we follow a Father who loves us and sees us as perfect through the blood of His Son Jesus. 

Last Words...

Reader, I want you are not alone in your questions and doubts. For even the greatest of Old and New Testament saints struggled to believe in God's promises during trials. But your doubts do not make you any less loved by your Heavenly Father. He knows exactly what you are thinking and loves you even still. And it isn't really His will that you ignore your doubts and blindly follow Him, but rather that you would acknowledge them and then run to Him for answers and refuge. Precious reader, the Father's arms are open wide and He is patiently awaiting you to come!