We usually associate “doubt” with Thomas Didymas after the resurrection of Christ (John 20:24-25). But consider John the baptizer and his doubts when he was cast into prison – Matthew 11. John began his preaching career with vigor and courage and passion. He boldly preached that the people, including the religious leaders, repent of their sins (Luke 3:8-14). It was his strong stand for the truth on marriage and divorce that landed him in prison in the first place (Mark 6:17ff).
But in Matthew 11, while in prison, John sent his disciples to Jesus with the question: “Are you the Expected One, or shall we look for someone else?” (verse 3). Perhaps John was surprised that Jesus was not the military leader that he expected. Jesus did not come to throw off the shackles of Roman dominance. Perhaps John was surprised that Jesus was not the great “unifier” that the Jews needed. The Pharisees and Sadducees did not “kiss and make up” and fall in line between the great Messiah. Whatever it was, Jesus did not measure up to John’s expectations and it caused John to doubt.
So how did Jesus respond to John? “Go and report to John what you hear and see” (verse 4). Jesus told John, trust your senses. What do you see and hear? Jesus was giving sight to the blind, making the lame walk, cleansing the lepers, opening the ears of the deaf, raising the dead, and preaching the Gospel to the poor (verse 5). Jesus’ miracles were designed to prove His identity (John 20:30-31).
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It may be that John was wavering in his conviction because of the peoples’ response to Jesus. But Jesus says, “Look at who I am and what I am doing. Do not be offended at Me.”
We dare not be offended at Jesus or His teaching. NEVER apologize for teaching and defending biblical doctrine. Do not be offended at Him. When you doubt Christ’s teaching, read the life of Christ again. Be reminded of Who He is – the miracles He performed. Then be reconvicted of the truth of Jesus’ words. Do not doubt while you are in darkness what you have learned in the light.
