This week, let’s talk about John the Baptist. As we all know, John the Baptist was quite a character. He lived in the wilderness, dressed like a caveman (at least according to Hollywood), was on the Adkins “grasshoppers and honey” diet plan, and was not shy about proclaiming to anyone and everyone that they must repent and turn back to God.
When Jesus came to John to be baptized, it was John who declared, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” A little later John proclaimed, “Now I have seen and testified that [Jesus] is the Son of God.”
So, John the Baptist did his job perfectly. He was the herald who proclaimed the coming of the Messiah. And once Jesus began His ministry, John humbly stepped aside to let the real star of the show take center stage.
John did such a good job that later on, as we read in Matthew’s gospel, chapter 11, Jesus said, “Among those born of women, there has been none greater than John the Baptist.” (Don’t be confused by the phrase, “Among those born of women.” That was just a fancy way of saying among everyone who has ever lived.)
That’s pretty good, huh? Jesus clearly said that no one in all of history was greater than John. However, the timing of Jesus’ statement is a bit stunning. You see, a few verses earlier, we read that John was in prison, and while imprisoned John sent some of his followers to Jesus to ask Him this question: “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?”
Whoa, wait a minute! Do you understand what this question really means? It means John the Baptist was not sure if Jesus was the Messiah. John the Baptist — John THE ever-lovin’ Baptist — doubted Jesus. Holy moly!
John did such a good job that later on, as we read in Matthew’s gospel, chapter 11, Jesus said, “Among those born of women, there has been none greater than John the Baptist.” (Don’t be confused by the phrase, “Among those born of women.” That was just a fancy way of saying among everyone who has ever lived.)
That’s pretty good, huh? Jesus clearly said that no one in all of history was greater than John. However, the timing of Jesus’ statement is a bit stunning. You see, a few verses earlier, we read that John was in prison, and while imprisoned John sent some of his followers to Jesus to ask Him this question: “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?”
Whoa, wait a minute! Do you understand what this question really means? It means John the Baptist was not sure if Jesus was the Messiah. John the Baptist — John THE ever-lovin’ Baptist — doubted Jesus. Holy moly!
Now, if I were Jesus (and let’s all thank Heaven that I’m not), I might have replied to John’s followers this way: “Um, excuse me? John asked whether I’m the one? How dare he doubt me! You go back and tell Mr. Baptist that I am livid! And I’m not sure I’ll ever forgive him for this terrible insult! Harrumpf!”
What can we learn from this stunning episode? I think there are two lessons. First, if John the Baptist — John THE ever-lovin’ Baptist! — can have moments of doubt, then it’s OK if we occasionally have doubts.
As Christians, we are called to seek the truth. And if we sincerely seek the truth, eventually we’ll discover that Jesus is the Truth, with a capital “T.” In our fractured secular culture, however, there are countless loud and persistent voices all claiming that their particular narrative is the real truth. Everyone cannot be right. (Statistically speaking, and utilizing the law of non-contradiction, most of them have to be wrong.)
So, it’s not uncommon for people in our modern society to get confused and question what is true. Maybe some folks, just like John the Baptist, knew at a point in the past that Jesus is the Son of God, but now they’re not so sure.
If that’s the case with you or a loved one, don’t despair. Why? Because of lesson number two: Jesus loves us and He is pleased when we sincerely seek the truth despite our doubts. If John the Baptist can wonder about the true identity of Jesus, and yet have Jesus say that no one is greater than John, then there is hope for the rest of us.
What can we learn from this stunning episode? I think there are two lessons. First, if John the Baptist — John THE ever-lovin’ Baptist! — can have moments of doubt, then it’s OK if we occasionally have doubts.
As Christians, we are called to seek the truth. And if we sincerely seek the truth, eventually we’ll discover that Jesus is the Truth, with a capital “T.” In our fractured secular culture, however, there are countless loud and persistent voices all claiming that their particular narrative is the real truth. Everyone cannot be right. (Statistically speaking, and utilizing the law of non-contradiction, most of them have to be wrong.)
So, it’s not uncommon for people in our modern society to get confused and question what is true. Maybe some folks, just like John the Baptist, knew at a point in the past that Jesus is the Son of God, but now they’re not so sure.
If that’s the case with you or a loved one, don’t despair. Why? Because of lesson number two: Jesus loves us and He is pleased when we sincerely seek the truth despite our doubts. If John the Baptist can wonder about the true identity of Jesus, and yet have Jesus say that no one is greater than John, then there is hope for the rest of us.
Jesus wants us to believe in Him and to trust Him completely. But if we have doubts, Jesus is patient. He knows unwavering faith is hard. If we just keep seeking the truth, we eventually will find it, er, I mean, find Him.
And thankfully, we’re not required to go on the Adkins “grasshoppers and honey” diet plan! (Which is a relief, because I just stocked up on Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups — uh, for the trick-or-treaters, of course. Yeah, that’s it.)
And thankfully, we’re not required to go on the Adkins “grasshoppers and honey” diet plan! (Which is a relief, because I just stocked up on Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups — uh, for the trick-or-treaters, of course. Yeah, that’s it.)
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