Matthew 11:2-6
I’ve always loved the story of John the Baptist sitting in prison because it gives us one of the most honest pictures in Scripture of what it looks like to wrestle with doubt (Matt. 11:2-6). We typically think of John the Baptist as this unshakable, desert-tough prophet. He burst onto the scene wearing a camel-hair coat, wild honey dripping from his beard, a locust in his teeth, and with his voice echoing like thunder calling Israel to repentance. John had seen things. He’d seen crowds flock into the wilderness just to hear him preach. He’d watched hardened sinners wade into the Jordan, weeping over grace they never expected. He’d baptized Jesus Himself, and witnessed the heavens open, the Spirit descend, and the Father speak: “This is my beloved Son.” If anyone should’ve been rock solid in his faith, it was John. Right?
But now he’s sitting in a dark prison cell. Confining walls have replaced open skies. The prophet who once roamed free is now chained, seemingly forgotten, and awaiting a death sentence from a petty king. And in that place, where the walls close in, where the storyline no longer makes sense, John begins to doubt. He sends his followers to Jesus with a brutally honest question:
“Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” (Matthew 11:3)
I love that Scripture preserves that moment. It doesn’t hide it or sanitize it. It reminds us that doubt isn’t always a sign of weak faith; sometimes it’s the byproduct of the convergence of deep belief and deep pain. And notice how Jesus responds. He doesn’t scold. He doesn’t shame. He doesn’t roll His eyes and say, “John, seriously? After everything you’ve seen?”
Instead, Jesus responds with love and evidence:
“Go back and tell John what you hear and see, the blind receive sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.” (Matthew 11:4-5)
In other words: “John, I know your circumstances are confusing. I know the prison cell is loud. But I am still exactly who I said I am.”
Sometimes Jesus gives us the rescue we pray for. Other times, just like John, we don’t get the ending we would have chosen. But that doesn’t mean Jesus is any less faithful, any less present, or any less God. His identity is not threatened by our questions, and His love isn’t withdrawn because we waver.
If you find yourself doubting today, take heart; you’re in good company. Bring your questions to Jesus. Ask honestly. And listen closely as He reminds you, not always with the outcome you want, but always with the truth you need, that He is still who He says He is.
Ryan Paulson
Lead Pastor