Herod, who was king of a fourth part of the Roman province of Palestine, had taken his brother’s wife, a woman by the name of Herodias, and had married her. John the Baptist preached publicly against this appalling and unlawful relationship (Mark 6:17-18).
Because of this, he was arrested and thrown into prison by the king (Luke 3:19-20; Matthew 14:3-4). In fact, Herod would have executed John (Matthew 14:5), but he feared the public backlash, seeing that all the people accepted John the Baptist as a prophet sent from the Lord.
While in this prison, John began to have some doubts and concerns about who Jesus was, and what He was doing. John’s doubts worked against his faith, and caused him to question the person and work of Jesus. There are times when we all experience doubts and fears. And, there are times when we wonder about our salvation and about our faith.
Now, most of us wouldn't admit it out loud, but we have found ourselves questioning our faith, too. It is during those times, when we have allowed the questions to rise in our hearts, that we probably found ourselves locked in the same prison in which John found himself. I know, I have been there, as well.
That’s where John was, and Jesus sent John just what he needed to persuade him of the truth. Dear reader, that may be where you are today. If so, or if you happen to find yourself in this prison in the future, the truths taught in Matthew 11:1-6 should serve to help you find your way out.
Let us begin with Matthew 11:2-3. In his prison, John had come to doubt the very person of Jesus. Now remember, this is the same John who was so bold in his preaching concerning Jesus. Notice these verses: Matthew 3:11-15; John 1:27-36; John 3:25-36. There was a time when there was no doubt in John’s mind. But, when he was thrown into the prison, he began to doubt.
He discovered that absence does not make the heart grow fonder. Matthew 11:2 says, “Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ…” John is locked up and he can no longer see the Lord Jesus as He heals and ministers. He can no longer hear the Lord’s voice as He preaches and teaches. John is removed from the sights and sounds of the ministry of Jesus. And, as a result, his heart has become clouded with doubts and questions.
However, when doubts arose in John’s heart, he did the right thing, he turned to Jesus for the answers he needed. Instead of wondering and worrying there in that prison, John turned his efforts toward getting an answer from the Lord. That is where help will be found in a time of doubt!
In Matthew 11:4-6, we first see how Jesus answered John.When Jesus hears the disciples of John and their questions; He doesn't send back a stinging word of rebuke. Jesus could have said, “Who does John think He is to question me? He saw the Spirit descending on Me. He knows that I am the Savior. He knows and he has preached it! He has no right or room to doubt me! Go back and tell John to get his heart right with God!”
But, that's not what Jesus does! When he hears the doubts that have gripped John’s heart, Jesus responds with patience, grace and love. Look at His response: “Go and show John again…” Jesus is willing to help John as he works through his problem. Many would have reacted in anger; Jesus reacted in love.
Jesus assures John by merely pointing him back to the Word of God! Jesus reported all the things He was doing and seemed to be saying, “Just go back and tell John to read his Bible and he will understand.” This tells us that you can count on the Word of God! He will stand by it (Psalm 138:2; Matthew 5:18; 24:35; 2 Corinthians 1:20). Everything He has promised, He will do!
Let the Bible put your doubts to rest! Bring your questions, lay them against the Word of God, and watch Him give you the answers you seek.
Scripture: Romans 15:13; John 5:24; Romans 10:17; Romans 5:1; Titus 3:5; Acts 4:12; Romans 6:23
Prayer: Dear Father, I love you and Thank you. With you all things are possible. Please help me keep this in mind as I go through this day. Amen
May God bless you always!
Raeann
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