I’ve heard the stories about John the Baptist my whole life. I remember the cartoons from Sunday school when I was five years old, how John the Baptist was baptizing Jesus in the Jordan River. I remember how all the children giggled when our teacher talked about how he ate locusts and honey and dressed silly.
But recently, the Lord taught me something very important about John the Baptist. Something that will forever change the way I see that man. I’ve read the books of John and Luke many times, but they contain an important part of John the Baptist’s life that I never before understood or put together.
The book of John was written by John the Beloved, one of Jesus’ twelve disciples. The first chapter of John tells about John the Baptist’s ministry. Then verses 29-31 says, “The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!’ This is He of whom I said ‘After me comes a man who ranks before me, because He was before me.’ I myself did not know Him, but for this purpose I came baptizing with water, that He might be revealed to Israel.” This was the beginning of Jesus’ three year ministry.
Fast forward several months. John the Baptist is thrown in prison after angering King Herod by openly disapproving of his lifestyle. While John the Baptist is stuck in prison, Jesus is openly performing miracles. Luke 7:18-19 says, “The disciples of John reported all these things to him (John). And John, calling two of his disciples to him, sent them to the Lord, saying, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” Months after John the Baptist proclaimed Jesus to be the Lamb of God, the Messiah, he has now sent his workers to Jesus to ask Him if He really is the Messiah! Why?? Why all of a sudden is John doubting?
Because Jesus wasn’t helping John. It didn’t make sense to John. Jesus could heal the sick, and perform all kind of miracles, so He could absolutely get John out of prison. But Jesus didn’t get John out of prison. And so, John was left to wonder. Why was Jesus not helping him? Why was Jesus allowing him to suffer?
So John asked the Lord, are you really who we think you are? Jesus answered him in verses 21-23. “In that hour He healed many people of diseases and plagues and evil spirits, and on many who were blind He bestowed sight. And He answered them, “Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the poor have good news preached to them. And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.”
Jesus did not get angry with John. He not only answered the question, but He also allowed John’s messengers to see all those miracles, and he gave John a final word of instruction. Do not be offended.
I have absolutely gotten offended because Jesus didn’t help me when I knew He could. But the truth is, it isn’t about me. It’s all about HIM! All about His will, His purpose, His kingdom, His glory!
The Bible goes on. Verses 24-28 says “When John’s messengers had gone, 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? What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who are dressed in splendid clothing and live in luxury are in kings’ courts. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is he of whom it is written, ‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.’ I tell you, among those born of women none is greater than John.”
Jesus waited until John’s messengers had gone, not allowing John to be able to hear the honor He bestowed upon him while he was still in the midst of his testing and trial.
John would soon be beheaded. The truth was, John just couldn’t see the whole story. John didn’t know that Jesus, and all of his disciples, would suffer and die for the Gospel. John was just the first martyr. There was great purpose and meaning for John’s suffering. And there was also great reward.
I’ve been in a season of what I think is testing and trial. It was such an encouragement to me to see that even John the Baptist doubted. It was such an encouragement to me to see how Jesus did not get angry with John, but He instead encouraged, answered, and instructed him. It was such an encouragement to me to see how John’s suffering and death had meaning and purpose. And it was such an encouragement to me to see how Jesus honored and commended John, even though he had a slip up and doubted.
What a Savior we serve. He alone is worthy of all honor and praise!
A White Stone with a New Name 