Free To Ask

January 16

Genesis 31

Psalm 10:1-11

Proverbs 2:16-19

Matthew 11:1-19

Free to Ask

“Now when John in prison heard of the works of Christ, he sent word by his disciples and said to Him, ‘Are You the One who is to come, or shall we look for someone else?’” 

Matthew 11:2-3 LSB

John knew Jesus was the Messiah.  Just a few short weeks or months before John’s imprisonment he had baptized Jesus.  At that time, John said to Jesus, “I have need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?” Matthew 3:14 LSB He knew the truth.  After the baptism, John witnessed heaven open and he heard God say, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”  Matthew 3:17 LSB  In Isaiah 40:3, the prophet Isaiah foretold that there would be “a voice calling, ‘Prepare the way for Yahweh in the wilderness; make smooth in the desert a highway for our God.”  This prophecy was fulfilled in Matthew 3:3 referring to John the Baptist, “For this is the one referred to by Isaiah the prophet, saying, ‘The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make ready the way of the Lord.  Make His paths straight.’”  So if he knew who Jesus was, then why in today’s passage did he send his disciples to Jesus to ask if He was the One? 

            John was human.  He had been preaching in the wilderness pointing people to Jesus.  He had been faithful to carry out his mission and yet he was thrown in prison and would soon be beheaded.  This was probably not how he imagined his life would play out.  We are not told that God gave him any vision of his role after the Messiah was revealed.  He may have thought he would help Jesus in his ministry.  He probably did not think that his faithfulness would result in imprisonment and death.  His circumstances did not match his expectations so he began to doubt.  Sitting in prison, his mind started questioning if Jesus really was the One.  Was he wrong?  Had he placed his belief and trust in the wrong person? 

            Jesus didn’t respond by getting frustrated or mad.   He didn’t say, “Come on, John, you of all people know who I am. You heard God say I was His Son! Why are you doubting?”  Jesus responded by recounting the testimony of His ministry.  He gave John proof that He was indeed the One.  John was scared.  He just needed some reassurance and Jesus gave it. He reacts to us in the same way.  He doesn’t get frustrated or mad when we come to Him needing assurance.    He sees us in our fears and He understands.  Whenever we come to Him seeking, He meets us where we are and provides what we need.  He is gracious and compassionate.  John did not ask Jesus to free him from prison.  Jesus did not change John’s circumstances, but He provided the assurance John needed to face the days to come. He may not change our circumstances, but He will give us the strength and peace to deal with whatever lies ahead.