Doubt. We’ve all done it. Doubting itself isn’t a sin. God says when we doubt or question Him and His will for us, we should take our concerns directly to Him for honest answers. Jesus demonstrates this truth when He answers John the Baptist’s doubts in Matthew 11.
John is the prophet spoken about in the Old Testament. He is the one who pointed others to Christ and prepared the people for the Messiah. But John doesn’t see some Old Testament prophecies being fulfilled. And then King Herod puts John in prison. John begins to doubt God and question his part in God’s plan to bring salvation to the world. John has honest and sincere questions, so he sends his disciples to ask Jesus if He really is the Messiah.
Jesus answers by telling John’s disciples that the evidence is in the miracles they are seeing Jesus accomplish. And He also commends John’s faith and devotion. John only had partial knowledge. He was looking forward to the Messiah’s death. But believers today have the full knowledge. Believers now have a greater understanding than John did (Matthew 11:11).
Next Jesus speaks woe (grief, sorrow, regret, judgment) to the cities who have seen His miracles first-hand yet still reject Him. Then Jesus says to come to Him and get away from your heavy burdens. You will receive rest when you trust in Christ. Take His yoke, which helps us obey Him. Jesus never promises to take away our burdens, but He will walk beside us as we go through those situations.
The Pharisees keep attacking Jesus!
- They think His disciples are working on the Sabbath when the pick grain. Jesus condemns this. The disciples weren’t disobeying God’s commands but the things the Pharisees added to God’s law.
- The Pharisees are concerned that Jesus is healing on the Sabbath. Jesus condemns this. He shows mercy and compassion to a man with a shriveled hand. Jesus says it is right to do good on the Sabbath.
- The Pharisees think Jesus receives His power from Satan. Jesus responds by saying He is the Lord of the Sabbath.
- The Pharisees ask for a miraculous sign. They already have seen more than enough signs to prove that Jesus is who He says He is! But they reject Him.
The Messiah is right in front of the Pharisees, yet they refuse to believe Him. Instead, they plot to kill Him.
Things to Think About
- What are my questions and doubts? Will I bring them to Jesus?
- What consumes my thoughts? Come to Christ for rest. The alternative is worry, fear and anxiety.
- Coming to Jesus is essential for this life and for the life to come.