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Dealing with the Problem of Doubts

Text: Matthew 11 : 1 - 19

We all struggle with doubts. Thus we have no right to think poorly of John the Baptiser as he struggled with his dark thoughts. Let us ponder again this text that Matthew wrote.

“And when John had heard in prison about the
works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples and
said to Him, ‘Are you the Coming One, or do we
look for another?'”
Matthew 11:2-3

THE INTEGRITY OF JOHN THE BAPTISER

It wasn’t flattering to John to disclose that he had doubts concerning the identity of Jesus, but we can understand why he sent his disciples to see Jesus. These are some of the things we may observe about the integrity of his character.

1. He was consistent in his honesty

John’s life and ministry had one particularly consistent trait – honesty! He preached with great zeal and honesty. He spoke against sin candidly. He urged people to repent with great plainness of speech.

Now that doubts had descended on him, John continued to be as candid. He did not hide behind any false facade of faith! He was consistent even when he was in prison.

2. He was practical in dealing with his problem of doubts

John was always practical in his approach to life. Was he called to be “the voice in the wilderness”? Then he would live in the wilderness. Whilst there, he adapted his lifestyle in such a way that he was able to survive. He had the plainest garments and ate the simplest of food. His garb and his diet reflected the kind of character and personality he possessed.

As doubts assailed him, he dealt honestly with them. He knew that his doubts did not in any way affect the Person and ministry of Jesus. No matter what doubts he may now have, that did not harm the Name and ministry of the Messiah. But he had to deal with the doubts that plagued him the only way he knew how. He had to raise these doubts to the attention of Jesus.

3. He had not lost his faith completely

We must not think that John had lost his faith in Jesus completely. Having doubts only rob one of personal confidence and joy. Having doubts does not mean losing one’s faith entirely. If John had lost his faith completely, he would not even have bothered to send his disciples to look Jesus up. He would have quit on his faith entirely. He would have died in despair.

There was more than a glimmer of faith in John when he sent two of his disciples to see Jesus. The darkness that surrounded him was very real, but that gloom did not overwhelm his faith entirely. He still held on to that faith for dear life.

4. In search for greater enlightenment

Why did John send out his disciples to see Jesus? Surely, one of the reasons was that he sought further understanding and enlightenment. If Jesus were the Messiah, surely He would understand the cryptic question that his two disciples brought to Him. He would also be able to send back a word that would encourage and strengthen his soul. Thus the sending of his disciples represented a soul that had not given up the fight of faith.

Let us note that Matthew used the word “Christ” rather than the personal name, “Jesus”. This word tells us that John was not so much concerned about the works that he had heard, but whether these works indeed confirmed Jesus as “The Christ”. The Scriptures had spoken of “The Messiah” or “The Christ”. John honoured Him so much that he would not speak His Name but only called Him “The Coming One”.

John had not given up his faith at all. What he needed was further understanding, a deeper comprehension perhaps! Surely the best way was to send his disciples to ask on his behalf his personal questions. There was nothing to lose. He was not one who bothered about things like “personal pride”. There was everything to gain, if the answer from Jesus was able to squash his doubts to death!

A GRACIOUS REPLY FROM A WONDERFUL CHRIST

Would Jesus be upset with John for having doubts in Him? Would He despise the person who had identified Him and ordained Him for His public Messianic ministry? Let us ponder this deep and gracious answer that Jesus gave to John’s disciples.

“Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Go and tell
John the things which you hear and see: The
blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are
cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised
up and the poor have the gospel preached to
them. And blessed is he who is not offended
because of Me.”
Matthew 11:4-6

The synoptist Luke added an interesting perspective. To help the disciples of John to bring back His answer more effectively, He performed special miracles there and then.

“And that very hour He cured them of infirmities,
afflictions and evil spirits; and to many blind He
gave sight.”
Luke 7:21

The disciples of John must have been greatly astonished. Their own master had never performed a single miracle. Yet here was this Person healing people at will! They could scarcely believe their eyes as they witnessed the blind see, the deaf hear, and the lepers cleansed. What a report they would bring back to their beloved master!