John (the Baptizer) was in prison. It was less than a year after He’d baptized Jesus, and heard the Voice from heaven proclaim, “The One on whom you see the Spirit descend and rest is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.” Then John trumpets to the world, “I saw this happen to Jesus, so I testify that he is the Chosen One of God.” (John 1:33-34 NLT)
He Doubted
So, why is John asking now, “Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?” (Matt 11:3 NLT) He knew He was the Messiah, right? He’d heard God speak. He’d testified to the reality of God’s promise fulfilled in Jesus! He knew. So why did he ask again? I wonder if maybe it’s because he’s just like me? Just like you? He doubted.
Asked and Answered
Interestingly, Jesus never directly answered John’s question, nor did He chastise him for his doubt. He simply pointed him back to Scripture. He quoted from Isaiah 42, where God illustrated what the Messiah would look like in daily practice. He’s essentially saying, “John, that question has already been asked and answered. Move on. You KNOW Who I am. Now, live into the reality of who you are in Me.”
The lesson for me – and maybe for all of us is to live into the certainty of the faith we began. Live into the new identity He gave us when we entered into the covenant relationship with Him. You and I are new creations (2 Cor 5:17); we’ve been given everything we need to live a godly life (2 Pet 1:3); we now sit with Him at the right hand of the Father. (Eph 2:6) Remember whom and Whose you are. “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.” (1 Cor 16:13 NASB 2020)
Enjoyed reading – great reminder to live who we are in Christ. Here’s a coincidence – I just pulled up an old devotional to re-edit/revise from a word doc which I had written over a year or so ago a couple days ago titled ‘Not Offended’ based on the same John the Baptist story in the Bible – who knew?
Thanks, Toni!