When you think of the word “doubt,” does the word have a good or bad connotation? For many, especially when it comes to our faith, having questions or doubts is viewed negatively. Some Christ followers believe that having doubts or questions is unacceptable and must therefore be ignored. The truth is, as we were reminded during the weekend message, doubts are natural when things do not turn out the way we think they should and when we do not understand how God is working. That’s why, as we learned during our Bible study time yesterday, we can turn to God when we have questions. After all, God can handle our questions when we bring them to Him.
This week, we have been studying John the Baptist. Specifically, we have been studying Matthew 11, a passage in which John was in prison because he had upset King Herod Antipas after speaking out against his marriage to his half-brother’s wife. From prison, he sent his disciples to ask Jesus if He was the Messiah, or if John and his disciples should be looking for someone else. In response, Jesus told John’s disciples to report back everything Jesus had been doing, including healing and teaching like no one else. When John’s disciples left Jesus, Jesus had something to say to the crowds around Him about John the Baptist. Perhaps the people watching questioned John the Baptist for sending his disciples to ask if Jesus was truly the Messiah. As He turned to the crowd, Jesus began to talk about John. He called John a prophet. In fact, He taught that John was the prophet the Old Testament had prophesied would come to prepare the way for Jesus (verse 10). Then, He said these fascinating words: “I tell you the truth, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John the Baptist” (verse 10). In case anyone thought John’s question disqualified him, Jesus’ statement made it clear that it did not. Jesus could handle his questions. He can handle yours, too.
The message from our Scripture reading today is that you do not have to hide or ignore your questions for God. They do not disqualify you. They do not disappoint God. He can handle every question you have when you come to Him with honesty and sincerity today. Having questions does not make you weak or a disappointment. They make you human. Turn to your God, who is not fazed by any questions you have for Him and whose understanding knows no end.
Is there someone whom you know who is going through a difficult time? Reach out to them today and share with them what you were reminded of during your Bible study today. Share with them that when John the Baptist had questions about Jesus, Jesus did not condemn him for his doubts. Even more, he honored him for his ministry to Jesus and for how he would continue to serve. Tell your friend or loved one to turn to God, even amid their questions, because God can handle any question they may have.
Prayer Prompt: Use this prompt to guide you as you pray.
“God, as I encourage the people around me to turn to You, especially when they have doubts, use me…”
11 Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence, and violent people have been raiding it. 13 For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. 14 And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. 15 Whoever has ears, let them hear.
16 “To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others:
17 “‘We played the pipe for you,
and you did not dance;
we sang a dirge,
and you did not mourn.’
18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ 19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is proved right by her deeds.”
Woe on Unrepentant Towns
20 Then Jesus began to denounce the towns in which most of his miracles had been performed, because they did not repent. 21 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 22 But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. 23 And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted to the heavens? No, you will go down to Hades. For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. 24 But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.”
25 At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. 26 Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.
27 “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
