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Did John the Baptist have doubts? [message #7021]

Mon, 05 April 2010 14:14

james
Messages: 2138
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL

Senior Member

In Matthew chapter 3 we see where John was baptizing at the Jordan and Jesus came to him to be baptized. John recognized Him as who He was and didn't want to baptize Jesus because he (John) didn't feel worthy; but he did.

But just a couple of years later when John was in prison (chapter 11) he sent a couple of 'his' disciples to Jesus to question if He was 'He that should come'. Had John begin to doubt? Why was he questioning Jesus? Was it because things weren't 'happening' as he had envisioned? Was John looking for a 'present King', ruling over Israel and overthrowing their enemies? Had he grown discouraged while in prison and begun to doubt?

Anyone have any thoughts about this? We know John was a prophet, and we know he knew who Jesus was, after all Elisabeth(John's mother) and Mary were cousins.

Does verse 11 of chapter 11 take on a different meaning (or shed a different light) with this in mind? "Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he." Why would Jesus say this? In effect, He's saying that even someone like me and you will be considered 'greater' than John the Baptist in heaven...Wow! Is that because he, John, hadn't received The Baptism of The Holy Spirit? Why? How could Jesus say that?

Thoughts?

“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”

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