John the Baptist came on the scene and was a preacher full of the Spirit. Isaiah had prophesied of John that he would be the messenger that preceded the coming Messiah. He was the voice of one crying in the wilderness. Sure enough… that was John. He resided in the regions all around the Jordan River preaching the baptism of repentance.
When the Pharisees sent messengers to ask John who he was, he quoted Scripture from the book of Isaiah. “I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness: prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.” (Isa 40:3)
Those scholars of the Old Testament would have recognized that passage and knew he identified himself as the forerunner of Christ who would bear witness of Him.
When Jesus came on the scene, He came to John for baptism. John knew it was Him and immediately identified Him as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. God told John that the coming Messiah would be revealed by a dove descending out of heaven and landing and remaining on Him. The day John baptized Jesus he witnessed this as Jesus came up out of the water. There was no doubt that Jesus was the Messiah.
Fast forward to John the Baptist being thrown into prison. He knew Herod the tetrarch was about to have him beheaded.
Jesus was out ministering, and John sent his disciples to ask Jesus if He was really the Coming One, or should they look for another. Even after John had seen visual confirmation, something caused a momentary doubt.
Jesus responded to John in the same way he had responded to the Pharisees when they questioned his identity. He quoted Scripture from the book of Isaiah. (Isa 29:18-19 & Isa 35:5-6)
“Go and tell John the things you have seen and heard: that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the gospel preached to them.” (Luke 7:22)
John was very familiar with the prophecies of Isaiah for they also prophesied of John himself. And John’s father Zacharias, was a priest in good standing with God. They knew the Word.
Sometimes our faith can be plagued by momentary doubts. This is the time to take these concerns to the Lord just as John did.
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. (James 1:5)
When expectations are disappointed, be honest with God. He can handle our doubts. John was in prison facing a horrible death, after devoting his entire life to God’s work. His confusion is understandable. But Jesus put it to rest.
Jesus said, “Assuredly I say to you, among those born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist.”
Psalm 94:19 (NLT) When doubts filled my mind, Your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.
Thank You Lord.