Table of Contents
John the Baptist’s question, “Are you the one who is to come, or do we look for another?” (Matthew 11:3, NKJV), stands as a profound moment in the New Testament narrative. This inquiry reflects not only the historical and theological context of John’s ministry but also provides deep insights into his expectations and understanding of the Messiah’s role. To fully grasp the significance of this question, it is essential to explore several facets: the historical background, John’s ministry and expectations, the response of Jesus, and the implications for early Christian faith.
Historical Background
John the Baptist emerges in the Gospels as a prophetic figure who heralds the coming of the Messiah. According to the Gospel of Luke, John’s birth itself was miraculous, born to Zechariah and Elizabeth in their old age (Luke 1:5-25). John’s role as the forerunner of the Messiah was prophesied in the Old Testament: “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; make His paths straight'” (Isaiah 40:3, NKJV). This prophecy is directly applied to John in all four Gospels (Matthew 3:3; Mark 1:3; Luke 3:4; John 1:23).
John’s Ministry and Expectations
John the Baptist’s ministry was characterized by a call to repentance and the imminent arrival of the Kingdom of God. He baptized people in the Jordan River as a sign of their repentance (Matthew 3:6). John’s fiery preaching included warnings of judgment: “And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire” (Matthew 3:10, NKJV).
John also explicitly identified Jesus as the Messiah. When Jesus came to be baptized by John, John initially resisted, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?” (Matthew 3:14, NKJV). After baptizing Jesus, John witnessed the Spirit of God descending like a dove upon Jesus and heard a voice from heaven saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:16-17, NKJV). Furthermore, John declared Jesus to be “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29, NKJV).
Despite these affirmations, John’s question from prison, “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?” (Matthew 11:3, NKJV), indicates a moment of doubt or, at the very least, a need for confirmation.
The Question from Prison
John’s imprisonment by Herod Antipas, due to his denunciation of Herod’s unlawful marriage to Herodias (Matthew 14:3-4, NKJV), marked a significant period of testing for him. From his prison cell, John heard about the works of Christ and sent his disciples to ask Jesus directly if He was indeed the promised Messiah.
Several factors may have contributed to John’s question:
- Expectations of the Messiah: John, like many Jews of his time, may have expected the Messiah to bring immediate political liberation and judgment upon the unrighteous. Jesus’ ministry, characterized by healing, teaching, and compassion, may not have fully aligned with these expectations.
- Confirmation of Identity: Despite his earlier proclamations about Jesus, John may have sought further confirmation, especially given his dire circumstances in prison. His question could reflect a desire for reassurance that his work was not in vain.
- Prophetic Perspective: Prophets in the Old Testament often did not fully understand the timing or nature of the prophecies they delivered. John, as a prophet, might have experienced a similar partial understanding, leading to his question.
Jesus’ Response
Jesus responded to John’s disciples with a message that affirmed His Messianic identity through His works: “Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me” (Matthew 11:4-6, NKJV).
Jesus’ response highlighted several key aspects:
- Fulfillment of Prophecy: Jesus’ miracles directly fulfilled Old Testament prophecies about the Messianic age. Isaiah had prophesied that the Messiah would heal the blind, the deaf, the lame, and preach good news to the poor (Isaiah 35:5-6; 61:1). By pointing to His works, Jesus demonstrated that He was fulfilling these Messianic expectations.
- Nature of the Kingdom: Jesus’ ministry emphasized the spiritual and redemptive aspects of the Kingdom of God. His miracles were signs of the Kingdom’s presence and the restoration that the Messiah would bring. This differed from the expected political liberation but aligned with the deeper, transformative work of God.
- Encouragement to John: By concluding with “blessed is he who is not offended because of Me,” Jesus gently encouraged John to hold fast to his faith and not be stumbled by unmet expectations.
Implications for Early Christian Faith
John’s question and Jesus’ response hold significant implications for early Christian faith and theology:
- Understanding of the Messiah: The exchange clarifies that Jesus’ Messianic role was not solely about political deliverance but about holistic restoration—physical, spiritual, and social. This understanding helped shape the early Christian view of Jesus as the Savior who addresses all aspects of human brokenness.
- Faith Amid Uncertainty: John’s question from prison illustrates that even the greatest of prophets can experience doubt and seek reassurance. Jesus’ response shows that faith is not about having all questions answered immediately but trusting in the evidence of God’s work and character.
- Nature of Discipleship: Jesus’ commendation of John underscores that discipleship involves steadfastness in the face of trials. John’s unwavering commitment, despite his moment of doubt, serves as a model for believers to persevere in faith even when circumstances are challenging.
Conclusion
John the Baptist’s question, “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?” (Matthew 11:3, NKJV), is a profound moment that encapsulates the tension between expectation and fulfillment in the New Testament. It reflects the complexities of Messianic expectations, the challenges of prophetic ministry, and the nature of faith.
Jesus’ response, grounded in the fulfillment of prophecy and the demonstration of God’s Kingdom through His works, reassures John and all believers of His true identity and mission. This exchange invites believers to deepen their understanding of Jesus as the Messiah who brings comprehensive restoration and to hold firm in faith, even amidst uncertainty and trials.
Check out our Bible Answers page for more information on a variety of topics.
In His service,
BibleAsk Team