Even someone as bold and devoted as John the Baptist had moments of doubt. In this passage from Matthew 11:1-19, we see John—once the fiery voice crying out in the wilderness—wrestling with his faith while sitting in a prison cell.
He had spent his life preparing the way for the Messiah, calling people to repentance, and pointing to Jesus. But now, behind bars and likely discouraged, he begins to wonder: Was Jesus really the One?
It’s a human moment. And, all of us can relate. If John the Baptist could question his faith, what does that say about our own struggles and doubts? Let’s find out what we can learn from John’s questions and Jesus’ response.
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
When Doubt Creeps In
Doubt.
It’s a tiny word with big impact. Like “if” and “but,” it quietly enters our minds—especially when life gets hard.
According to Dictionary.com™, doubt means:
- A feeling of uncertainty about the truth or reality of something
- Distrust
- A situation that causes hesitation
- (Obsolete) Fear or dread
If you’ve ever experienced doubt in your spiritual life, you’re not alone. Even one of the strongest voices in the New Testament—John the Baptist—faced it too.
Even John the Baptist Had Doubts
Yes, John the Baptist, the same man who boldly preached repentance and prepared the way for Jesus.
But now? He’s in prison. Isolated. Waiting. And in that dark, scary place, questions started to rise.
“If Jesus really is the Messiah, then why am I here? Why is this happening?”
So he sent his disciples to ask Jesus a bold question:
“Are you the One, or should we be looking for someone else?”
Can you imagine? After all he’d seen and preached—John still wondered. And that’s exactly why his story is so powerful.
Jesus Responds with Reassurance
Jesus didn’t respond with anger or disappointment. He simply told John’s disciples to go back and tell him what they had seen and heard:
- The blind receive their sight
- The lame walk
- Lepers are cleansed
- The deaf hear
- The dead are raised
- And the good news is preached to the poor
Jesus met John’s doubt with evidence and encouragement. He didn’t condemn—He comforted. He reminded John that the Kingdom of God was already at work.
What About Our Faith?
John only had part of the story. He didn’t yet know how the cross, the resurrection, and the full glory of salvation would unfold.
But we do.
We have the benefit of Scripture, of hindsight, of knowing that Jesus truly is the Savior. Still, there are times when our faith feels weak. Our questions feel louder than our confidence.
In those moments, remember:
- Doubt is part of the human experience.
- Jesus doesn’t turn away from us when we struggle—He leans in.
- We have the full truth of the Gospel to hold onto.
If John the Baptist could question and still be loved by Jesus, so can we.
Faith Grows Through the Struggle
Whether you’re in a season of doubt or walking strong in faith, this story reminds us of something important:
God’s grace is bigger than our questions.
So the next time you feel uncertain, do what John did—ask (Pray).
And trust that Jesus will answer with truth, compassion, and proof that the Kingdom of God is very real and very near.
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.