You Are The One
Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. Matthew 11: 4-5
John the Baptist—the bold prophet who baptized Jesus, heard the Father’s voice, and witnessed the Spirit descend—found himself in a dark prison cell with darker questions. The one who had proclaimed with certainty, “Behold, the Lamb of God,” now sent his disciples to ask, “Are You the One…?”
Why did John doubt?
Not because his faith failed, but because his circumstances confused him. He had expected the Messiah to bring judgment, freedom, and restoration—yet instead of being delivered, John was locked away, seemingly forgotten. His expectations did not match his experience, and this gap created room for doubt.
We know this place too. We believe Jesus is good, yet we face seasons that feel unfair. We trust His promises, yet life unfolds in ways that seem slow, confusing, or painful. In these moments, doubt whispers into our hearts just as it did into John’s.
But notice what Jesus did.
He didn’t rebuke John. He didn’t shame him for asking the question. Instead, Jesus sent John evidence and encouragement:
the blind see
the lame walk
the lepers are cleansed
the deaf hear
the dead are raised
the poor receive hope
Jesus essentially said, “Tell John that the Kingdom is advancing, even if he can’t see it from where he is.”
This is Jesus’ heart toward doubters—toward us. He meets us with gentleness. He gives us reminders of His faithfulness. He sends encouragement through others, just as He sent John’s disciples back with good news.
In our own prisons of confusion, Jesus still whispers, “Look again. I am at work. My promises are true. My peace is yours.”
Lord Jesus, thank You for understanding our doubts and meeting us with compassion rather than condemnation. When our circumstances cloud our vision, remind us of who You are and what You are doing. Help us to look again and see Your goodness at work in ways we may have overlooked. Give us the courage to trust You when we don’t yet understand Your plan. And just as You sent encouragement to John, send Your peace into our hearts today. Amen