“John’s disciples told him about all these things. Calling two of them, he sent them to the Lord to ask, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” When the men came to Jesus, they said, “John the Baptist sent us to you to ask, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?’ ” At that very time Jesus cured many who had diseases, sicknesses and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind. So he replied to the messengers, “Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.””

‭‭Luke‬ ‭7‬:‭18‬-‭23‬ ‭NIV‬‬

John was having a faith wobble in prison. He was stuck in jail for calling Herod to account for adultery. Jesus was around and about, conducting healing campaigns and doing all kinds of miracles. Was John thinking that Jesus could come by and do a little miracle for him…intervene to get him out of a sticky situation? Of course, such an action would  defy legal authority!

Jesus never came! John panicked. Perhaps all his preaching in the wilderness, his popularity, his attack on unrighteousness, and his most significant mission…to reveal Jesus as Israel’s Messiah…was a mistake. After all, could not Jesus affirm his confidence in Him by doing this miracle for him?

So, he sent two of his followers, since he couldn’t go himself, to question Jesus. “Are you really the Messiah, or have I made a big mistake?”

Jesus didn’t answer John’s question. He simply carried on doing what He was doing…preaching and healing. He left it to John’s disciples to decide for themselves whether He was the real Messiah or a fake. 

How true to His own “modus operandi!” Jesus didn’t tell these men who He was. He gave them opportunity to weigh up the evidence and decide for themselves. They didn’t return to John with the answer, ”Jesus said, ‘Yes, I am the Messiah ‘“ They went back with the story, “We heard what He said and saw what He did. He must be the Messiah!”

For every true believer, faith is built on who Jesus is because of what He said and did. Without this conviction and certainty, faith will never have the solid foundation of truth. 

“If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭10‬:‭9‬-‭10‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Faith that stands firm under all tests must be built on the solid conviction that Jesus is the Son  of God…His legitimate authority…and that He rose from the dead…confirmation that He was an acceptable sacrifice for sin. 

Faith as solid as this will not wobble under adverse circumstances even if Jesus doesn’t show up and do what we expect Him to do when we call on Him. Faith trusts Him always to do what glorifies Him and is best for us. 

To be continued…