Doubting of John The Baptist

Matthew 11:1–19
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Doubting

Obvious doubt. (vv. 1-3) “After Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in the towns of Galilee. When John heard in prison what Christ was doing, he sent his disciples to ask him, “Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?”
Clear evidence. (vv. 4-6) “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 cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me.”
Great commendation (vv. 7-11) “As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings palaces. Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written: “ I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you. I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” We as believers today have something unknown to believers who lived before and during the time Jesus walked on this earth. That being the permanent presence of the Holy Spirit. That makes us great in God’s eyes.

Jesus’ statement that this is Elijah [Elias] indicates that He saw the ministry of John as the fulfillment of the prophecy of the coming of Elijah in (Malachi 4:5-6) (vv. 12-15). This generation refused to exercise its capacity to hear, but made excuses for rejecting John and Jesus. (vv. 16-19).

Application

Before getting too critical of John I need to ask myself when have I had doubts about Jesus?

Matthew 11:1-19 (English Standard Version)

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