John the Baptist wasn’t weak. He wasn’t ignorant.
He was the forerunner, the one who prepared the way.
But now, chained in prison, darkness creeping in, he sends his disciples to ask Jesus:
“Are You really the One?”
If John could have a moment of uncertainty, so can we. And Jesus’ response isn’t one of anger—it’s one of evidence, compassion, and confidence.
Who Is Jesus Interacting With?
- John the Baptist (indirectly), via messengers.
- John’s disciples were loyal followers of the prophet.
- The crowd, overhearing and later receiving Jesus’ praise of John.
The Question and the Answer: Matthew 11:2–6 (NASB)
2 Now while in prison, John heard about the works of Christ, and he sent word by his disciples, 3 and said to Him, “Are You the Coming One, or are we to look for someone else?” 4 Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and report to John what you hear and see: 5 those who are blind receive sight, those who limp walk, those with leprosy are cleansed and those who are deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. 6 And blessed is any person who does not take offense at Me.”**
The Mood of the Scene
- Dark, honest, and raw from John.
- Patient and reassuring from Jesus.
- Public and powerful, as Jesus affirms John immediately afterward.
The Honesty of Doubt
John’s question is human. He had proclaimed the Messiah, baptized Jesus, and seen the heavens open. But now? In a prison cell? Everything feels unclear.
And still, Jesus doesn’t rebuke him. Instead, He sends back proof.
Action Step: You’re not weak for asking questions. God invites honesty. Bring your doubts to Jesus, not away from Him.
Jesus’ Response: “Look at the Evidence”
Jesus doesn’t say, “Yes.”
He doesn’t say, “How dare he doubt!”
He says:
“Go and report to John what you hear and see.”
And He points to transformation:
- The blind now see.
- The lame now walk.
- The outcasts are welcomed.
- The poor have hope.
- The dead now live.
In other words: “The Kingdom is here. I am exactly who you thought I was.”
Action Step: In 2025, if you’re questioning where God is—look again. Look at the fruit. Look at the changed lives. And look at how far He’s brought you.
The Blessing in Not Taking Offense
Jesus ends with a striking statement:
“Blessed is any person who does not take offense at Me.”
Why would anyone be offended by Jesus?
Because He doesn’t always deliver the way we expect.
John may have expected a conquering King—but got a suffering Savior.
He expected freedom—but sat in chains.
Action Step: Don’t stumble when Jesus works differently than you planned. Trust His heart when you don’t understand His hand.
What This Means for Us in 2025
Even the strongest believers can feel overwhelmed.
Life doesn’t always make sense.
But Jesus’ identity never changes.
He doesn’t need to argue—His works speak for themselves.
Application for Today:
- If you’re confused, don’t isolate—send your questions to Jesus.
- Trust what He’s doing more than how you feel.
- Let the fruit of the Gospel be your evidence in times of hardship.
- Remember: doubt brought to Jesus becomes deeper faith.
- Don’t let delay or pain offend—choose trust instead.
Final Prayer
Lord, when I doubt, help me draw near—not withdraw. When life feels like a prison, help me see that You are still working. Show me the evidence of Your goodness. Let me never be offended by how You lead, but wholly trust in who You are. Amen.
