Doubting John?
I kind of feel sorry for John.
When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, "Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?" Jesus answered them, "Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me." As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: "What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written, ’see, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.' Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John came; and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come. Let anyone with ears listen! - Matt. 11:2-15
John was given a charge by God before he was born to set the path clear and straight for people to come to Jesus, and he did that, but wound up in prison.
Then, he couldn't see what it was that Jesus was doing. He started to doubt. Is this really the Messiah?
Jesus was his cousin. And he doubted.
If John could doubt and be troubled, we should rest easy in our doubts and troubles.
Like Jesus did for John, God will send us confirmation of our faith when we have doubts and fears.
Someone will come to us and comfort us, reminding us that we are not alone.
Our job is to accept that person as a messenger from God. Can we do that?
More to come...