By Jeff Baxley

Throughout history, there have been many examples of people who were absolutely
convinced of something, only to discover they were wrong. In the early 1900s, the builders of the Titanic believed they had built an unsinkable ship, only to see it sink on its maiden voyage. Today, its wreckage rests at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean.

History is filled with similar examples, and we find this same reality reflected in Scripture. This truth is what makes Matthew 11:1–11 so surprising. John the Baptist—the man who boldly proclaimed Jesus as the Messiah, baptized Him in the Jordan River, and declared, “Behold, the Lamb of God”—now finds himself sitting in prison asking, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?”

John’s question reminds us of an important truth: doubt does not discriminate. It can affect new believers and seasoned saints alike. It often surfaces when our expectations collide with reality. John expected Messiah to bring judgment and establish His kingdom. Instead, he remained imprisoned while Jesus healed the sick, showed compassion to sinners, and preached good news to the poor. John’s circumstances caused him to wrestle with questions. Many of us know that feeling. We pray, wait, and trust, only to wonder why God hasn’t acted in the way we expected.

The encouraging part of this passage is not simply that John doubted, but how Jesus responded. He did not rebuke John for asking honest questions. Instead, He pointed John’s disciples back to His works and to the promises of Scripture. The blind were receiving sight, the lame were walking, the deaf were hearing, and the good news was being preached to the poor—just as Isaiah had foretold. Jesus gently reminded John that God’s plan was unfolding exactly as it should.

That same invitation is extended to us today. When doubts arise, we should not run from Christ but toward Him. Our questions will always find a resting place somewhere. We can trust our own understanding, follow the opinions of the culture, or anchor ourselves in the truth of God’s Word. Jesus calls us to bring our doubts to Him and allow His promises to steady our hearts.

Finally, this passage reminds us that doubt does not disqualify. Jesus went on to publicly honor John as one of the greatest men ever born. John’s moment of questioning did not erase a lifetime of faithful obedience.

If you are walking through a season of uncertainty, know that you are not alone. Bring your questions honestly to Jesus. He is not intimidated by them. In fact, He is the very One in whom our doubts can finally find rest.

*Jeff is the Associate Pastor of Families at First Baptist Church, Tallassee. He and his wife Michelle have four children.