David Bahn – Reflections

Matthew 11:1-15 (ESV)
When Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in their cities. ² Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples ³ and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?”

⁴ And Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: ⁵ the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. ⁶ And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.”

⁷ As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? ⁸ What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. ⁹ What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. ¹⁰ This is he of whom it is written, ” ‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.’

¹¹ Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who 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 suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. ¹³ For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John, ¹⁴ and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come. ¹⁵ He who has ears to hear, let him hear.

Many people were surprised when they learned that Mother Theresa was haunted by severe doubt and darkness of the soul. How could she who was so vitally given to helping the weak and poor doubt the God whom she represented? How could she who was Christ to so many people wonder about His mercy and love?

She wasn’t the first to doubt; nor was Thomas – that famous disciple who would not believe in Jesus’ resurrection until he saw the nail prints for himself. Nor was John the Baptist. Doubt is as much a part of faith as is confidence. The greater the faith, the greater the stakes. John knew that. So did Thomas, Mother Theresa, and anyone else who takes God seriously. Great faith entertains great doubt from time to time.

That’s what is happening to John. This man, who according to Jesus was among the greatest ever born of a woman, is shaken in his faith. He wonders if the one on whom he saw the Holy Spirit descend and remain (John 1:33) is really the One: the messiah.

The means by which John deals with his doubts are an example for us all. He goes to the source, and asks Jesus if he really is the one. And Jesus’ answer is crucial to dealing with doubt. Jesus does not tell him to look within. He tells him to look at the evidence of Jesus’ ministry: the lame walk; the dead are raised; the poor have the good news preached to them.

When doubts arise don’t look within! Peace is never found in us. It is found in God and his work in the world, his mercy and love for all (the good news). When doubts arise look at what Jesus has done, and how he is at work today in the world. He hears prayers. He grants healing. He inspires people to preach the good news.

Corrie Ten Boom said it well: Look to the world, we will become distressed; if we look within, we will become depressed; but if we look to Christ we will find rest. That’s true at all times, but especially when doubts arise.