The Biblical View of Doubt. (Luke 7:18-35)
Suppose I want to tell you that in the history of the church there have been some great leaders who confessed that they had doubts, even so their lives and perspective was acceptable to God, and he still used them greatly.
I think that would shock many people in the average church today. Now it is true that at one level there is a kind of doubt that's not acceptable to God, but the other type of doubt is entirely acceptable to God. So, what's the difference between the two and what can we learn from the distinction?
The passage under consideration today is quite straightforward, primarily focusing on John the Baptist and his response to his questioning of Jesus as to whether he was the Messiah. It is noteworthy that whether Jesus is addressing John's disciples or the general crowd, the central theme remains John the Baptist. The passage can be divided into three main parts: John's doubt, John's subsequent position, and John's practice. Additionally, the whole concept of doubt is explored, categorized in two ways, acceptable and unacceptable doubt.
Beginning with John's puzzlement, the disciples of John inform him about Jesus' deeds, prompting John to send two of his own disciples to ask Jesus whether He is the Messiah or if they should expect another who is yet to come. The term "the one to com" is essentially synonymous with the Messiah. Despite some ambiguity in the term "all things" referring to previous events or more, it's clear that John is questioning Jesus' Messiahship.
The word "another" in John's inquiry is intriguing, as there are two Greek words in the New Testament. One signifies another of the same kind, and the other means another of a different kind. The significance of this distinction becomes apparent in contexts like Galatians 1, where it talks about another gospel, emphasizing a different kind of gospel rather than one of the same kind.
Moving on to the second part, John's position is addressed. Jesus speaks about who John was, acknowledging his role as a prophet and connecting him to the prophecy in Malachi about the messenger preparing the way for the Lord. This highlights John's significant position in the context of prophecy.
Lastly, Jesus speaks about John's practice, contrasting what John did with the expectations of the people. Despite John's unique ascetic lifestyle, the people failed to recognize the significance of his message. This emphasizes the importance of understanding the deeper spiritual meaning beyond outward appearances.
Throughout this exploration, the theme of doubt surfaces. John's doubt is acknowledged and addressed by Jesus, indicating a level of acceptability. However, Jesus criticizes the doubt of those who witnessed miracles and still doubted, categorizing their doubt as unacceptable.
In summary, this passage will revolves around John the Baptist, encompassing his perplexity, position, and practice. It also delves into the nuanced concept of doubt, distinguishing between acceptable and unacceptable doubt. This thorough examination reveals the depth and richness of the passage's content.
So what John is saying here is, are you the Messiah or are we to look for another person of a different kind? The implication seems to be or you just a mere mortal and we're really look for the Messiah or are you the Messiah so that's the perplexity of John.
18 John’s disciples told him about all these things. Calling two of them, 19 he sent them to the Lord to ask, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” 20 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?’”
(Luke 7: 18-20)
In the opening verses Luke passage seems to suggest that John the Baptist is experiencing doubt, perhaps raising some discomfort among some who view him as a great spiritual leader. While some commentators argue that John's question was posed on behalf of his disciples the subsequent verses, especially Jesus' response, indicate that John is indeed grappling with doubt about Jesus' role and Messiahship.
Verse 20 recounts how John's messengers ask Jesus if He is the expected Messiah or if they should anticipate someone else. Jesus responds to this inquiry, seemingly addressing John's genuine doubt. It's noted that great spiritual leaders can also have moments of doubt, citing instances in the lives of Moses, Elijah, Jeremiah, and Paul. Doubt, in this context, is distinguished from unbelief, as doubt involves struggling to understand God's actions, while unbelief is a wilful refusal to accept God's word.
John's doubt is likely exacerbated by his imprisonment, leading him to question whether Jesus is truly the Messiah. John's captivity has instilled fear and uncertainty in his heart. Many people, when faced with unexplained challenges or hardships, may experience doubt even after having a strong conviction about their faith.
Despite John's doubt, Jesus responds not with a lecture but with actions.
21 At that very time Jesus cured many who had diseases, sicknesses and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind. 22 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. 23 Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.” 24 After John’s messengers left, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 25 If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear expensive clothes and indulge in luxury are in palaces. 26 But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 27 This is the one about whom it is written:
“‘I will send my messenger ahead of you,
who will prepare your way before you.’
28 I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.”
(Luke 7: 21-28)
In verse 21, it's highlighted that Jesus, at that very hour, performed numerous miracles, curing illnesses, casting out evil spirits, and restoring sight to the blind. This emphasis on miraculous deeds before words suggests Jesus' compassionate response to John's doubt. Rather than lecturing, Jesus demonstrates His power and compassion through tangible acts of healing.
In essence, the passage portrays John the Baptist in a moment of doubt, struggling with his understanding of Jesus as the Messiah. Jesus, in response, doesn't rebuke or condemn John but addresses his doubt with tangible acts of mercy and power, emphasizing the compassionate nature of Jesus' response to those grappling with faith challenges.
In verse 22, Jesus responds to John's messengers, instructing them to report back to John the miraculous deeds they have witnessed, blind seeing, lame walking, leprosy cleansed, deaf hearing, dead raised, and the poor receiving the gospel. Essentially, Jesus is conveying to John that these actions align with the Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah's coming. His works are not merely acts of healing but fulfilments of prophetic expectations.
Jesus emphasizes this connection by stating, "Blessed is he who is not offended because of me.". Jesus is cautioning John not to stumble in his faith because of the unconventional nature of Jesus' ministry. John may have been tempted to doubt or stumble due to unmet expectations or a different understanding of the Messiah's role.
The passage from verses 18 to 22 addresses John's doubt, categorizing it as being perplexed. Jesus responds by highlighting the alignment of His actions with Old Testament prophecies. This episode offers a lesson for dealing with doubt, particularly in the context of individuals questioning Christianity. Instead of dismissing or condemning doubts, it's crucial to engage in open and understanding conversations. The common mistake, as seen in some cases, is attempting to suppress questions, or implying guilt for having doubts, an approach that often proves counterproductive. Acknowledging and addressing doubt with empathy and openness is a more constructive way to navigate such situations.
Remember when I said a moment ago the person who doubts may not be in error, he may just be thinking. Notice Jesus did not scold John the Baptist he didn't condemn him he answered him. So, I've always taken the approach and I think maybe this comes out of my own personal experience that if people ask questions don't try find the answer Peter says a reasonable answer. I am told in the scripture that I'm to give a reasonable answer ,so that that's my job it's the holy spirit's job to do the work after that. My point is simply this people down no less than John the Baptist doubted and Jesus answered him and we ought to do the same.
The text tells us in verse 24 that the messengers of John had departed, and he began to speak to the crowd concerning John. What he's really going to do is talk to the but he's going to use John as an illustration as they had heard apparently what was going on. So he says to them what did you go out into the wilderness to see a reed shaken by the wind but what did you go out to see a man clothed in soft garments.
Jesus says when you went out to the wilderness to hear John preach what did you go out to see did you think you were going to see a read that was blowing in the wind shaken, did you think you were going to see a reed rather than an oak tree.
An oak tree wouldn't bend with the wind, did you go out to see a man clothed in posh garments and lived in luxury in the King's court. Now that's key to this. What usually happened is prophets in the kings court didn't want to offend of a king so they would preach messages that flattered the king. So Jesus is simply saying did you go out to see he went out to hear a prophet and he would dress like that at all now this message reminds me of John the Baptist was not posh
To substantiate John's significance, Jesus quotes Malachi 3:1 in Luke 7:27, asserting that John fulfilled the Old Testament prophecy as the messenger who prepared the way for the Messiah. This aligns with the initial doubt expressed by John, as Jesus highlights the fulfilment of prophecy in John's role.
In verse 28, Jesus makes a remarkable statement about John's greatness. He declares, "I say to you, among those born of women, there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist." This accolade emphasizes John's privileged position as the forerunner of the Messiah. However, Jesus adds a profound twist, stating that "he who is least in the Kingdom of God is greater than John." This is not a diminishing remark about John's stature but a recognition of the unique position of those in the Kingdom of God.
The statement underscores that while John was the greatest prophet in the Old Testament, his role was still preparatory. Those in the Kingdom of God, even the least among them, will have a greater privilege, i.e. the direct experience of witnessing the Messiah ruling and reigning. This comparison highlights the difference between the Old Testament prophets and the extraordinary privilege bestowed upon those who belong to the Kingdom of God. John was the herald, announcing the Messiah's arrival, but those in the Kingdom will directly witness the Messiah's rule and reign, making their position even more exceptional.
In Luke 7:29-35, Jesus continues addressing the crowd, focusing now on the response to John the Baptist's ministry and contrasting it with their reaction to Jesus' own ministry.
29 (All the people, even the tax collectors, when they heard Jesus’ words, acknowledged that God’s way was right, because they had been baptized by John. 30 But the Pharisees and the experts in the law rejected God’s purpose for themselves, because they had not been baptized by John.)
31 Jesus went on to say, “To what, then, can I compare the people of this generation? What are they like? 32 They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling out to each other:
“‘We played the pipe for you,
and you did not dance;
we sang a dirge,
and you did not cry.’
33 For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ 34 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ 35 But wisdom is proved right by all her children.”
(Luke 7: 20-35)
The passage explores the practical aspects of John's ministry, the diverse responses from different groups, and the illustrative comparison to children playing in the marketplace.
Verse 29 notes that when the people, including tax collectors, heard Jesus, they acknowledged God's righteousness and approved of His ways. The tax collectors had been baptized by John, indicating their acceptance of God's righteousness. On the other hand, the Pharisees, and lawyers, who had not been baptized by John and rejected the will of God, were not just in doubt but in disbelief.
In verses 31-32, Jesus uses the metaphor of children in the marketplace to illustrate the inconsistent and unreasonable attitude of the people. The children suggest playing a wedding tune, but when the others refuse to dance, they propose playing a funeral dirge, yet the refusal persists. This metaphor reflects the people's fickleness and inability to be pleased, similar to the way they responded to both John and Jesus.
The application is made in verses 33-34, drawing a parallel between the children's game and the people's response to John and Jesus.
John the Baptist came with an ascetic lifestyle, neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and they accused him of having a demon. Jesus, on the other hand, participated in ordinary social activities, eating and drinking, and they criticized Him for being a glutton and a friend of tax collectors and sinners.
The concluding statement in verse 35 asserts that wisdom is justified by her children. In this context, it means that the rightness of God's ways and the wisdom of His plan are confirmed by those who accept it, acknowledging God's righteousness. The contrast between the responsive tax collectors and the resistant Pharisees emphasizes the diversity of reactions to God's message and the importance of recognizing and justifying God's wisdom.
The point of all these verses is simply this, nothing pleases some people, and they didn't like that he came the either way .Jesus is saying that they rejected the will of God for themselves that is his he concludes by saying verse 35 but wisdom is justified by all of her children wisdom as children and the children in this case are those who receive the will of God.
So he is saying you rejected the will of God you refuse to believe who I am and that is what is unacceptable.
So the first part of this message is teaching doubt is OK if you're sincerely seeking to know the truth, but the second part of the message is saying but if you're in disbelief wilful disbelief that is not acceptable.
Before I close, I want to point out I want you to look at 1st 34 the son of man came eating and drinking and you said look a glutton, they also accused him of being a friend of tax collectors and sinners’ collectors. The same happens in churches today. Jesus was a friend of ordinary people in ordinary places.
What happens to virtually all evangelical Christians is we could see our friends to Christ, or we desert them so we end up with all our friends being believers.
Now I need to be careful here, if you're friends with an unbeliever and they're influencing you instead of you influencing them then you need to be careful. It is legitimate to say we ought to just be friends with unbelievers but must never deny our faith or allow them to influence us away from the Lord.
I’ve worked hard to maintain relationships with people in my life who aren’t Christians, in fact some of them have made it very clear to me they are not believers. They know full well who I am and every once in a while, I get to slip little things in. But the friendship and relationship must be genuine to earn that privilege.
In the biblical context her, John the Baptist expressed genuine doubt about Jesus but was not condemned for it. The crowd, however, rejected the will of God, expressing not just doubt but unbelief, and it is that type of doubt that was deemed unacceptable.
The main point highlighted is the distinction between genuine doubt that seeks understanding and doubt that leads to disbelief. Honest doubt, rooted in a sincere desire to know the truth, is acceptable and can be a stepping stone to a stronger faith. In my estimation the questioning aspects of faith or scripture, when done sincerely, can lead to spiritual growth. On the other hand, doubt that serves as a cover for disobedience or rebellion is unacceptable to God.
There are many examples from history where honest doubt has played a crucial role in progress and discovery. Gallio, Columbus, Newton, and Einstein all where individuals who questioned prevailing beliefs and contributed to advancements in their respective fields.
I believe this passage emphasizes the acceptance of honest doubt but underscores the importance of an open questioning heart and distinguishing it from disbelief.