Setting the Scene: John in Prison

Even the greatest prophet had a moment of uncertainty. But rather than condemn John, Jesus gave a response that may surprise some of us.

Notes:

Luke 7

John, in a moment of doubt, sent a message to Jesus,
“Are You the One, or should we look for another?”
  
Doubt is a sign that someone is thinking.
 
A French proverb says, “He who knows nothing doubts nothing.”
 
“Doubt is not the opposite of faith; it is an element of faith.”
 
#1 Moses was ready to quit.
 
Numbers 11:14–15
"I am not able to bear all these people alone, because the burden is too heavy for me. If You treat me like this, please kill me now."
 
#2 Elijah was ready to quit.
(1 Kings 19:4)
 
#3 Jesus rebuked His disciples for their lack of faith.
 
#4 Paul the Apostle was deeply discouraged.
(2 Corinthians 1:8)
 
#5 David wrote half the Psalms while angry, confused, or feeling abandoned by God.
 
#6 John the Baptist was discouraged and entertained doubts.
 
Read Luke 7:18–28
 
John baptized Jesus in the Jordan River.
 
John was in prison because of his bold preaching to King Herod.
 
In John’s mind, Jesus the Messiah would organize a revolt.
 
John was expecting political deliverance.
Jesus was bringing spiritual deliverance.
 
Sometimes we misunderstand God and His word.
  
Jesus understood John’s questions and his doubt.
 
Jesus answered John’s doubt with evidence and clarification, not condemnation.
 
Galatians 5:15
But if you are always biting and devouring one another,
watch out! Beware of destroying one another.
 
It is easier to critique than create.
It is easier to tear down instead of build up.
 
Jesus loves you and understands your questions, too.
 
Psalm 10:1
Why, O LORD, do you stand far away?
Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?
 
Psalm 10:16 (a)
The LORD is king forever and ever.
 
Jesus defended John publicly,
when John criticized Jesus privately.
(Luke 7:24)
 
You have immeasurable value because you are God’s creation.
(1 Peter 2:9)
 
Ephesians 2:10
For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.
 
God loves you so much that He sent His Son to die on the cross so you could have a relationship with Him.
 
Doubt is a matter of the mind.
 
Unbelief is a matter of the will.
 
John was doubting, but he still believed.
 
Jesus refocused John’s priorities.
 
John’s doubts were answered by Scripture.
(Luke 7:22)
 
Stay the course when you don’t see the plan.
(Luke 7:23)
 
Luke 7:28
I tell you, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John. Yet even the least person in the Kingdom of God is greater than he is!
 
John was a part of the Old Testament economy.
You are a New Testament believer.
 
John was a friend of the Bridegroom.
You are the bride of the Bridegroom.

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