DELIVERANCE FROM DOUBTS – Pt 3

Matthew 11:1-6 “And it came to pass when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities. Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another? Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.”

In the first two “Challenging Concepts” from John the Baptist’s time in prison, we have looked at the question he wanted Jesus to answer. I really do believe that because of the circumstance he’s in and the wrong idea of what the Messiah was to do, John was having some major questions and maybe even doubts. But remember, doubt is not unbelief it’s only a need for more info or reassurance.

Now we pick up the narrative and see how Jesus responds to the question posed to Him from His faithful servant. We have seen his DOUBTS. Now let’s see:

HIS DISCOVERY

Notice verses 4-5, "Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them." Jesus responds, not react. That’s the difference between the Spirit and the flesh. What did John discover?

1. Jesus Is GENTLE – If you and I had gotten this question we might have given John a harsh rebuke, but that’s not the gentle Lord. Jesus could have said “John, don’t you remember the Spirit descending on me when I was baptized? Haven’t you preached about me coming and haven’t you heard about what has been happening? Who are you to question who I am?” But that’s not the response of the Lord. He is so gentle. He is so patient and full of grace.

Aren’t you glad that Jesus deals with us with patience and longsuffering?

Jesus tells the disciples of John to go back and remind him of the miracles that He had performed. Jesus said, “Remember John that these are fulfillments of prophecy.” We read in Isaiah 35:5-6, "Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert." Jesus is so gentle.

2. Jesus Is GOOD - Notice what we read in verses 8-15 “But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.”

I do not have time in this blog to deal with everything that Jesus says about John in this passage of Scripture. What Jesus does, though, is lift up this godly man before his followers. Jesus says that they had not gone out to follow an effeminate man. This man John was more than just a prophet, even though he was a prophet. John the Baptist was a prophet and a forerunner and way-preparer. And even though his circumstances had brought some questions and even doubts in his life, he was still a useful servant of God.

Aren’t you glad that God uses us even with our weaknesses? This should be a real eye-opener for us. We sometimes think if someone has a problem in their life, we can’t use them. Remember, we are all imperfect believers with room to grow in our lives, but God still wants to use us. I’m thankful for that.

Notice verse 11 “Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: . . .” What a statement Jesus uses to build up John in the front of those who had been sent to Jesus with the question. What an example of kindness and gentleness.

We have noticed John’s DOUBT and his DISCOVERY. Now let’s notice one last thing:

HIS DIRECTIVE

Notice what we read in verse 6 “And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.” The word “offended” means “to stumble.” Jesus is saying blessed is the individual who does not “stumble” at what comes into their life. There is nothing that happens in the life of the believer that is an accident. Everything that comes into our life has to cross God’s desk and get his stamp of approval. And because of that, we should not “stumble” in our walk with the Lord.

Think about the circumstance that John is in here. He is in prison for taking a stand against sin. He is discouraged, disillusioned, down in the dumps and away from family and friends. He has learned that “absence does not make the heart grow fonder.” He no longer can see Jesus perform miracles and change lives. He is at a dangerous point in his life and Jesus says, “John, don’t “stumble” at what is going on in your life.

There is a warning for us here. When we go through trials and we have some questions about why it is happening like it is, stop and remind yourself that God is still on the throne and He’s in control of the circumstances. We should not “stumble” in our walk with Christ. When we have questions, we should do what John the Baptist did and take those questions to the Lord. He’s the only one who can solve our problems and answer our questions.

There are some tremendous benefits to living without doubts. Knowing that even trials are part of God’s will for your life. This makes the circumstances so much better and easier to handle.

1. There Is DELIGHT in certainty – Psalm 1:2 “But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.” Notice also Psalm 37:11 “But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.” The child of God must come to the place of absolute trust in God’s dealings with us. This is the only place of peace, contentment and real joy. We must get in the Word of God and walk daily with the Lord no matter what circumstances come our way.

2. There Is DISTRESS in uncertainty – Questions and doubts make a person miserable. Too many people, who profess to be believers, live miserable lives. This is not God’s plan for a Christian’s life.

Let me close by saying that some very good people sometimes have problems. Think about Elijah who had stood alone on Mount Carmel and faced down a king, a false god and had prayed down fire from heaven. But then he went out under a juniper tree and asked God to let him die. God had to work with him and continue to strengthen his faith time and time again. If you have problems and questions, you’re in pretty good company.

Secondly, God knows how to gently deal with a person with questions and doubts. God can deal with rebellion very strongly, but if a person needs reassurance and faith, God knows exactly how to work with gentleness and kindness. Don’t be afraid to admit your weakness. Go to the Word of God with honest openness and God will meet you there.

That’s my view; how about you?