Second-Guessers Anonymous
Read Matthew 11:1–13:52
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2. John the Baptist, who was in prison, heard about all the things the Messiah was doing. So he sent his disciples to ask Jesus,
3. “Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?”
4. Jesus told them, “Go back to John and tell him what you have heard and seen—
5. the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor.” . . .
7. As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began talking about him to the crowds. “What kind of man did you go into the wilderness to see? Was he a weak reed, swayed by every breath of wind?
8. Or were you expecting to see a man dressed in expensive clothes? . . .
9. Were you looking for a prophet? Yes, and he is more than a prophet.” Matthew 11:2-5, 7-9
Some people can second-guess themselves into a state of paralysis. “I don’t know if I’m doing the right thing,” they may say. Here’s another favorite: “I just want to do what is right.” They may pray for “peace” and do what gives them that peaceful feeling: “I know what I’m doing sounds crazy, but I just really have a sense of peace about it.” If peace escapes them, they may look to others for reassurance that they are on the right track.
Although John the Baptist was not a double-minded man, this passage reports how he began to second-guess his original conclusions about Jesus. As you read, notice especially Jesus’ reaction to John’s doubts—it will teach you a bit about dealing with your own uncertainties.
John’s God-given mission had been to prepare people for the Messiah’s coming. Now that he was in prison, his ministry wasn’t going very well. Had he been wrong about Jesus? John wanted to be sure, so he sent some of his followers to talk with Jesus. Jesus told John’s disciples to report to John what they saw and heard—the blind see, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life. Jesus gave John the reassurance he sought (Matthew 11:2-6).
John did not come to his conclusion about who Jesus was based on his impressions or feelings. Instead, he went to the source, Jesus, to get the facts on which he would base his decision. We should take the same approach when dealing with our uncertainties.
When in doubt, check with the source of truth. Rather than relying on a feeling or conviction, search God’s Word for reassurance that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God. If you study what Jesus said and did, your faith will be renewed and strengthened.
