Bible Study Lessons from Matthew 11:1-19
In these few lines from Matthew, John the Baptist loses faith in Christ. John preached repentance and the coming of the Messiah but was later thrown into prison.
This shook him considerably and he began to wonder if Jesus really was the Savior.
Can you imagine John the Baptist losing faith and having doubts about Christ?
Then how easy is it for us to fail? Let’s find out what happens in this study lesson from the New Testament.
John the Baptist Loses Faith – Jesus Teaches About the Kingdom
Now when John, while imprisoned, heard of the works of Christ, he sent word by his disciples and said to Him, “Are You the Expected One, or shall we look for someone else?” – Matthew 11:2-3 NASB
John’s Doubt
Doubt – It’s such a little word. Following along with other little words such as “if” or “but“, doubt can be very powerful so don’t underestimate it.
The online reference, Dictionary.Comtm explains doubt ..
“as a noun
– a feeling of uncertainty about the truth, reality, or nature of something.
– distrust.
– a state of affairs such as to occasion uncertainty.
– Obsolete. fear; dread. “
Let’s face it, we all have doubts. During times of need the “little word” sneaks into our lives and leads to the uncertainty shown above.
John the Baptist Had Doubt
John couldn’t understand why, if Jesus was the Messiah, he (John) was thrown into prison instead of being allowed to preach and prepare the hearts of the people for Him.
And, I can absolutely understand the uncertainty John must have felt.
Restoration of Confidence
Jesus sent word to restore John’s faith telling about the many miracles and His preaching ministry to the poor.
It was evident that Jesus was the Messiah but the real truth would be revealed “from the cross to the grave, from the grave to the sky” as quoted from the popular contemporary song; “Lord I Lift Your Name on High“.
What About Our Faith?
John the Baptist had the benefit of hearing talk of miracles performed by Christ on a daily basis as word spread about Him throughout the land. But, what about us?
[easyazon_image align=”left” height=”160″ identifier=”0781414199″ locale=”US” src=”http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51LIBYBeXEL._SL160_.jpg” tag=”bobpardphot-20″ width=”107″]We have the hindsight of the Bible to help us keep faith strong.
When we are in doubt about our salvation and the promise of God’s kingdom, we need to turn to Christ and look at what He has done in our lives.
The truth is right before our eyes in the Scripture. John didn’t have the finished story of the cross – but we do.
Love In Christ
– Bob
If you would like to learn how to receive the love and life-changing experience of Jesus Christ, please take a moment to read John 3:16 for additional information.