Doubting is Part of Being Human | Matthew 11:1-6

Don't let it discourage you

Author

Caleb Lee
March 06, 2024

We all struggle with doubt at one point in our Christian walks.

I have yet to meet someone who believes with 100% certainty in everything related to Christianity.

But that’s all part of the human experience. Even John the Baptist, Jesus’ cousin, whose whole ministry was preaching that Jesus was the Messiah to come, experiences a moment of doubt.

When Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in their cities.

2  Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples 3  and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” 4  And Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5  the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. 6  And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.”

Matthew 11:1-6

At this point, John the Baptist has been in prison for an extended period, likely a couple of years.

In that time, he has people visiting him and telling him of all the works of Jesus.

Jesus is healing the sick, casting out demons, and even raising the dead to life.

So why isn’t Jesus coming to break John out of prison?

Is He not the Messiah, the one to deliver the Jewish people from all oppression and bondage?

Reframe this to fit your present situation:

I’m hearing of Jesus doing these miraculous works in other people’s lives, why isn’t He healing me? Why isn’t he taking away my problems? Does He not care for me?

I’m sure we’ve all asked these questions of Him.

Even if we know that He loves and cares for us, it can be hard to rest in that love when we’re going through tough times. When He seems absent.

But see what Jesus says in response to John’s doubt:

4  And Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5  the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. 6  And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.”

Matthew 11:4-6

To be frank, it’s not the type of response that you would want to hear.

But it brings up a good point.

Jesus is who He says He is.

And if you believe in Him, you also must believe that He’s done what He said He would do.

So if you are struggling through a tough period, and you feel the temptation to doubt, remember this:

Jesus healed the sick, cleansed the lepers, raised the dead, and preached the Good News. And on top of all that, He went to the cross willingly for you. 

Rest in the love and care of Jesus.

Have a blessed Wednesday, friends.