Is it wrong to ever wonder and have questions like, “Is there really a God?
Is this Jesus stuff real? Is Jesus really coming back to earth for me?”
We will read today in our passage John the Baptist asking Jesus, "Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?"
How did Jesus respond to John’s wondering?
How will Jesus respond to our wonderings?
Before reading our text in the Gospel of Luke, let us remind ourselves of the story of John the Baptist.
In Luke Chapter 1, we noted the birth of John the Baptist being the cousin of Jesus Christ. In Luke 3:2-3, we noted John had the word of God and he preached a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. In Luke 3:15, John the Baptist said about Jesus Christ, I baptize you with water; But one more powerful than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. In Luke 3:19-20, John was put in prison when he rebuked King Herod.
And so, as we read today from Luke 7, John the Baptist was still in prison and likely heard that he would be executed soon. Although John the Baptist had visitors, I’m sure he would had preferred to be out in the desert and not awaiting his death.
Ever feel that way? - wishing you were somewhere else and not have any burdens?
Some of you may be feeling like that right now and you are wondering “Is this Jesus stuff really true?” Let’s ask Jesus right now – “Jesus, are you really God, the Only Savior, who will take care of me forever?”
Open your Bibles to Luke 7. Read along with me how Jesus responded to John the Baptist and apply those principles to our own lives. Luke 7:14-23…..
Look again at v18-19…
John the Baptist, while in prison, told his disciples to ask Jesus directly "Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?"
John the Baptist:
- whose aunt was Mary the mother of Jesus
- who God spoke to
- preached a baptism of repentance for forgiveness of sins
- water baptized Jesus
- experienced the Holy Spirit
- heard God the Father say “This is my Son who I love and
am well pleased!”
Why would John the Baptist ask “Is Jesus really the Savior Messiah?”
Before we answer that question, “Did Jesus give a direct answer??”
We don’t read a direct answer from Jesus to John’s question! And so, we can somewhat speculate; but we will look at what Jesus did say in a moment.
I can think of at least 3 reasons why John the Baptist would ask that question, “Are you really the Messiah Jesus?”
1. He could have had doubts!
How can we say this? John the Baptist was a human being like the rest of us and can have doubts even with all the experiences he had. If John the Baptist did have doubts, do you think Jesus would have gotten upset? Jesus loved John! Even if John had doubts, we know for sure Jesus said from v28, no human being is greater than John!
Even if John had doubts, Jesus still loved him!
What else did Jesus do for John??
Even if John doubted, Jesus loved him very much because Jesus died for His sins!
When you and I doubt God, what do you think Jesus would say? Even when we doubt, Jesus can still say to us “I love you!”
Now, maybe John didn’t doubt, but maybe he asked the question because 2. he was just tired of the suffering! John was in prison and likely heard already that he would be executed. John knew Jesus was the Messiah but maybe was having a hard time waiting because of the pains here on earth. Ever feel that way?
What was Jesus’ response to a tired and suffering John the Baptist? Look again at v21-22…
Jesus told John to see all the miracles happening and the many people who will also be going to heaven!
Even for Believers of Christ, no matter how godly we may be, because we live in a sinful world, there will be sufferings! How should we deal with our sufferings today which can lead to our questioning of God? Hear what Jesus said to John the Baptist and apply that biblical principle to your life!
And I think another possible reason why John the Baptist asked his disciples to ask Jesus if He really is the Messiah is 3. to simply lead John’s Disciples to Jesus Christ!
John was personally told and personally experienced Jesus Christ as the Savior Messiah! And again Jesus praised John the Baptist in v28! And so John the Baptist told his disciples to ask Jesus if He really is the Messiah not for John’s benefit but for the benefit of his friends!
John the Baptist tried to take the focus away from himself and directed his friends to Jesus Christ!
How are we leading our friends to Jesus Christ?
Let us note again how Jesus responded to the question, “’Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?’"
Jesus answered, you may be wondering but:
- Look at what is going on because of me! v22: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.
And we don’t read it here but John the Baptist and his disciples knew the Old Testament prophecies about the Savior Messiah. Jesus answered by basically saying,
- I am fulfilling the Messianic prophecies in Isaiah 26, 29, 35, and 61!
What is told in the entire Bible is Jesus Christ!
And let us not miss the great truth from v23! Jesus said,
- Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me.
And so in summary, Jesus basically said, do not fall away but remain in Me and you will be blessed in spite of your doubts!
And so in summary, what are we to apply to our lives today?
1. When you doubt, know how and remind yourself of how much God loves you through Christ!
2. When you are going through pain, note all the great things God is doing in your midst!
3. Commit and learn how to lead your friends to Jesus Christ!
We should constantly think and pray about this; leading our friends to Jesus Christ!
4. No matter what is going on, especially during hard times, remain in Christ!
Memorize and live with John 14:6…..
