John the Baptist was in prison because he told the truth about King Herod's affair with his brother's wife.  Although many people were glad when John announced that God's Saviour was coming, Herod was not willing to repent of his sin.  John's courageous truth-telling cost him his liberty and later his life (Matthew 14:3-12).  But at the time of this account, he was wondering if his suffering was worth it.  His key question was, ‘Is Jesus the promised Messiah?'

That sounds as though John doubted Jesus' identity - but surely, John was a man of faith!  Yes, he was, but nobody is immune to the doubts which challenge our faith in Jesus.  Such thoughts may stem from the devil's lies, people's comments, difficult circumstances or our own inner uncertainties.  For John, the distress of prison and the fear of death would be intolerable if Jesus was not Messiah after all.  So that is why John sent two of his followers to Jesus with the question, “Are you the One who is to come, or should we expect someone else?"

It was still possible that Jesus could be part of a sequence of prophets who would lead up to the Messiah.  But John himself, inspired by the Holy Spirit said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29); the One who ‘… will baptise with the Holy Spirit’ (John 1:33).  John also said, “I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One” (John 1:34).  But His circumstances were not what he had expected.  And Jesus had already quoted from Isaiah 61:1 that He would release captives from their dungeons (Luke 4:18).  Would Jesus not release John?  He did not disbelieve but he wanted reassurance from Jesus.

Hard and unexpected situations should make us ask questions.  Doubt is not the opposite of faith; its questions will lead us to faith if we ask Jesus.  The apostles endured much persecution but continued, often until they were martyred because they were not ashamed of Jesus or His gospel (Romans 1:16).  But, as in any relationship, we cannot fully trust Jesus unless we get to know who He is.  God has provided all the information we need in the Bible: and as people read it with an open heart, God's Holy Spirit will convince them that Jesus is fully trustworthy as Saviour, King, Comforter and Friend.  Read one of the Gospels with your friends and colleagues - they will discover that their search for God is only fully satisfied in Jesus!