The disciples of John the Baptist told John about everything Jesus was doing. So John called for two of his disciples, and he sent them to the Lord to ask him, "Are you the Messiah we've been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?"
—Luke 7:18-19 NLT
Key Thought
We sometimes exalt key figures in the Scriptures to the legendary status of "Bible characters." We don't allow them to have bad days, doubts, lapses of passion, or faith dilemmas. However, Jesus was the only flesh and blood "Bible character" who was sinless. All the others had feet of clay. Even John the Baptist, with all of his passion and integrity, wanted to know for sure that Jesus was who John claimed him to be. Jesus' demonstration of what John prophesied was different from what John expected, at least from the distance John viewed him. (Remember, Herod had John in prison and would soon execute him.) The crucial issue about John was that he kept seeking the truth, even in his moments of confusion. So often when we have doubts, we can let the doubts overtake us, and we grow silent and afraid to seek the truth. Jesus never discouraged truth seekers! Jesus was not afraid to answer questions from his critics, the skeptics, or even his followers who doubted. In your struggles, you will no doubt pass through a valley or two of doubt or confusion. Don't be afraid; be honest with Jesus about your struggles. So often, that is exactly where we find the Lord; he is there waiting for the seeker who honestly comes to him with questions.
Today's Prayer
Father, please help me never be afraid of coming to Jesus with honest questions as I seek to know the truth from him and about him. Give me wisdom and faith as I seek you; and in finding you, I know I will find the truth. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
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—Luke 7:18-19 NLT
Key Thought
We sometimes exalt key figures in the Scriptures to the legendary status of "Bible characters." We don't allow them to have bad days, doubts, lapses of passion, or faith dilemmas. However, Jesus was the only flesh and blood "Bible character" who was sinless. All the others had feet of clay. Even John the Baptist, with all of his passion and integrity, wanted to know for sure that Jesus was who John claimed him to be. Jesus' demonstration of what John prophesied was different from what John expected, at least from the distance John viewed him. (Remember, Herod had John in prison and would soon execute him.) The crucial issue about John was that he kept seeking the truth, even in his moments of confusion. So often when we have doubts, we can let the doubts overtake us, and we grow silent and afraid to seek the truth. Jesus never discouraged truth seekers! Jesus was not afraid to answer questions from his critics, the skeptics, or even his followers who doubted. In your struggles, you will no doubt pass through a valley or two of doubt or confusion. Don't be afraid; be honest with Jesus about your struggles. So often, that is exactly where we find the Lord; he is there waiting for the seeker who honestly comes to him with questions.
Today's Prayer
Father, please help me never be afraid of coming to Jesus with honest questions as I seek to know the truth from him and about him. Give me wisdom and faith as I seek you; and in finding you, I know I will find the truth. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
- Luke 11:9-13
- John 7:16-17; 8:31-32
- John 20:24-29
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