What is doubt?
Merriam-webster.com defines doubt as calling into question, lacking confidence in, or considering unlikely the truth of something or someone.
Doubt is also a synonym for fear or suspicion.
What prompts doubt in us?
Today we are looking at a passage in Luke where John the Baptist sends messengers to Jesus Christ, asking, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?”
How is it possible that John, who was filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth (Luke 1:15), experienced doubts about Christ as described in Luke 7:18-28?
Read our passage for today.
18 tThe disciples of John reported all these things to him. And John, 19 calling two of his disciples to him, sent them to the Lord, saying, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” 20 And when the men had come to him, they said, “John the Baptist has sent us to you, saying, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?’ ” 21 In that hour he healed many people of diseases and plagues and evil spirits, and on many who were blind he bestowed sight. 22 And he answered them, “Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the poor have good news preached to them. 23 And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.”
24 When John’s messengers had gone, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 25 What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who are dressed in splendid clothing and live in luxury are in kings’ courts. 26 What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 27 This is he of whom it is written,
“ ‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face,
who will prepare your way before you.’
28 I tell you, among those born of women none is greater than John. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.”[1]
John sent two of his disciples to Jesus after receiving a report about Jesus’ recent activities in two different towns.
Luke 7:1-10 | Jesus’ Activity in Capernaum
Whose servant is ill in Luke 7:2?
What reason is Jesus given by the elders of the Jews for why he should heal this man’s servant? (Luke 7:3-5)
Why did the servant’s master send friends instead of coming himself to Jesus? (Luke 7:6-7)
Describe Jesus’ response to this man. (Luke 7:9-10)
Luke 7:11-17 | Jesus’ Activity in Nain
What is happening as Jesus arrives at the town gate of Nain? (Luke 7:11-12)
How does Jesus respond to the situation? (Luke 7:13-15)
Luke 7:18-20 | John’s response to Jesus’ Activity
Where was John when he received the report of Jesus’ activities? (Luke 3:19-20)
List the activities that John expected Jesus to do based on Luke 3:16-17.
How are John’s expectations challenged by Jesus’ actual activities?
Why might the report of Jesus’ activities in Capernaum and Nain prompt John’s doubt?
Luke 7: 21-23 | Jesus Responds to John’s Question
What does Jesus do before he answers John’s disciples? (Luke 7:21)
Jesus’ verbal response in Luke 7:22 strings together parts of multiple references from the book of Isaiah that John would have known. (See Isaiah 29:18-19; 35:5-6; 61:1-3)
Jesus pointed John and John’s disciples first to his immediate activities of healing. Then back to scripture as proof that the healings were part of what revealed Jesus was the Messiah.
Jesus was saying to John, the time for judgment is later. Right now, Jesus was physically opening eyes and ears to open people’s spiritual eyes and ears.
Therefore, Jesus finishes His response to John with, “Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me” (Luke 7:23).
Jesus is reminding John to focus on the entire prophecy about the Messiah in scripture and to remain firm in his faith.
Luke 7:24-27 |Jesus Uplifts John’s Role as Prophet
Who does Jesus speak to after John’s disciples leave? (Luke 7:24)
Based on what Jesus says to them, what is he emphasizing? (Luke 7:25-27)
Jesus quotes yet another scripture passage, Malachi 3:1, affirming John’s own prophetic role.
Why did Jesus affirm John’s prophetic role to the crowd?
Luke 7:18-28 | Christ’s Response to Doubts
Describe a time you struggled with doubting the Lord and how the Lord helped you through it.
If you are currently struggling with doubting the Lord, how does Luke 7:18-28 encourage you to stand firm?
Jesus reminds all of us in Luke 7:18-28:
1. There will be times when we cannot understand what the Lord is doing in our lives or those around us.
2. When those times come, our best option is to seek clarification from the Lord, just like John did.
3. Studying scripture to remember the Lord’s whole plan is a great way to strengthen our faith.
What else did you notice that encouraged you in today’s study? Continue the discussion in the comments section below.
Is there someone you can encourage by sharing this on social media?
Blessings,
Barbara Lynn
17 Incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise,
and apply your heart to my knowledge,
18 for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you,
if all of them are ready on your lips.
19 That your trust may be in the Lord,
I have made them known to you today, even to you.
20 Have I not written for you thirty sayings
of counsel and knowledge,
21 to make you know what is right and true,
that you may give a true answer to those who sent you? [2]
[1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Lk 7:18–28.
[2] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Pr 22:17–21.
Like a repeat reminder of Stan’s sermon today.. there are so such things as coincidence.. guess I needed to hear this twice
Great to see you in person this past Thursday.