Matthew 11:2–11
This Gospel text has always amazed me. How could John the Baptist express such doubt about Jesus after he had told others about Jesus the Messiah? Now John is facing death, and he’s experiencing some doubt about Jesus. He sends his disciples for confirmation that what he is giving his life for is worth it.
Most of us have gone through periods of doubt in our lives. In this story we find we are in good company. Wondering if faith in Jesus is real or worth it was part of John’s story, too. Jesus responds in a way that is reassuring to John—and to us. Jesus tells John’s disciples to remind him of what they have seen God do through Jesus. God’s mighty acts provide proof of who Jesus is. Jesus sends John a reassuring message: I am who you think I am. What you are doing with your life is worth it.
Holy Spirit, reassure us today that our faith in Jesus is worth it. Remind us of the amazing things you have done in our lives and in the lives of others. Help us trust you deeply as we go about our day. Amen.
Writers: Michael Binder ’17, Affiliate Faculty in Congregational Mission and Leadership; Amy Marga, Associate Professor of Systematic Theology. Theological Editor: James L. Boyce ’71, Professor Emeritus of New Testament and Greek. Cover photo by Elizabeth Explores on Unsplash.