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Luke 7:22-23 - Managing Your Doubts.

TRANSLATIONS AND PARAPHRASES

Luke 7:22-23 (NIV) 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 cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. 23 Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me."

Luke 7:22-23 (NLT) Then he told John's disciples, "Go back to John and tell him what you have seen and heard--the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor. 23 And tell him, 'God blesses those who do not turn away because of me.'"

Luke 7:22-23 (TLB) this was his reply: "Go back to John and tell him all you have seen and heard here today: how those who were blind can see. The lame are walking without a limp. The lepers are completely healed. The deaf can hear again. The dead come back to life. And the poor are hearing the Good News. 23 And tell him, 'Blessed is the one who does not lose his faith in me.' "

INTRODUCTION

   John's doubts about Jesus' identity were natural, and Jesus didn't rebuke him for them. Instead, he responded in a way that John would understand, quoting Scripture that clearly showed that Jesus was accomplishing exactly what the Messiah was supposed to accomplish. God can handle our doubts, and he welcomes our questions. Do you have questions about Jesus - about who he is or what he expects of you? Admit them to yourself and to God, and begin looking for answers. Only as you face your doubts honestly can you begin to resolve them.
   The proofs listed here for Jesus' being the Messiah are significant. They consist of observable deeds and actions that Jesus' contemporaries saw and reported. Jesus' response here was exactly the affirmation John needed, and it validated his own ministry. The prophets had said that the Messiah would do these very things (see Isaiah 35:5-6; 61:1). These physical proofs helped John - and help us - to recognize who Jesus is. [Life Application SB 2019]

COMMENTARY PEARL

   John the Baptist was a forerunner of Jesus. He prepared people for Jesus' arrival. He also confronted Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee, for his immorality. That landed John in prison, where he began to struggle with his faith. Specifically, John began to doubt who Jesus was. Like many people of that time, John probably thought Jesus, the Messiah, was going to overthrow the Roman government and establish His kingdom immediately. When no such thing happened, John's doubt got the better of him. He sent a message to Jesus, asking, "Are you the Messiah we've been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?" (Luke 7:20 NLT). John's faith didn't falter because God had failed him. He doubted because he failed to understand God's purpose and plan.
   Many believers today struggle for the same reason. Our faith falters not because God has been inconsistent or unfaithful, or because God has broken His promises. We experience lapses of faith because we have a false perception of what God is supposed to accomplish. Our expectations of Him are built on misconceptions and misguided thinking. We offer our prayers to Him and expect Him to answer with exact precision. And when God doesn't come through like we asked Him to, we - like John - may start to doubt who God is.
   This is especially true if you're experiencing - or want to experience - a rejuvenation in your relationship with Christ. If the devil starts to see spiritual embers catching fire in your life, he will do his best to extinguish them. One of his most effective strategies is to throw the cold water of doubt on them.
   John the Baptist made a spiritual mistake by not fully recognizing or understanding God's will. But even in the depths of his doubt, he did something very, very wise: He looked to Jesus for an answer. He didn't try to sugarcoat his struggle. He asked Jesus point-blank, "Are you the Messiah we've been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?" (Luke 7:20 NLT).
   Look closely at Jesus' reply in Luke 7:22-23 above. He wasn't offended by John's question. He didn't condemn John for his lapse in faith. And He didn't say, "Just believe - or else!" Instead, He pointed to verifiable evidence: "The blind see, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life" (Luke 7:22 NLT). Jesus didn't give John a reprimand for his doubt; He gave him the hope and assurance he needed.
   If you struggle with a lapse of faith as John the Baptist did, don't despair. Rethink your expectations. Take your doubts straight to Jesus. Ask Him to help you understand His purpose and His plan. When you open your heart to His truth, you'll find that it far exceeds your greatest hopes and dreams.
   Reflection question: In what areas and in what situations are you most vulnerable to spiritual doubts? [Greg Laurie from Harvest Ministries; https://www.harvestdaily.com]

LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY

Matthew 24:13 - Faith and Endurance.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2023/20230709-1036.html

James 1:6-8 - How to Be Stable in Ever-changing Winds.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2020/20200706-0911.html

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

https://abible.com/links/