Lessons from John the Baptist

Even the great John the Baptist had to face his fears and doubts. Of John, we are told, “Among those born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptist” (Mat 11:11). John was “filled with the Holy Spirit while yet in his mother’s womb” (Luk 1:15), a prophet of God wholly set apart to be the forerunner for Christ (Mat 3:3; Mar 1:3; Luk 3:4; Joh 1:23). Even further, John had seen Jesus confirmed by the voice of God Himself at Jesus’ baptism, which John administered personally (Mar 1:9–11). Yet despite all that, even he had a moment of doubt!

While in prison, John inquired of Jesus again as to whether He was truly the Christ (Messiah) as foretold in Scripture (Mat 11:2–6). Jesus reminded him that the miracles He performed matched prophecies in OT Scripture and confirmed Jesus’ claim of deity (Mat 11:4–6). We are not told, but it is likely that John went back through the Scriptures to reconfirm his belief that Jesus was, in fact, the Christ. But here is the important part: John addressed his doubt. He didn’t let it overcome and defeat him or, worse, cause him not to believe!

Whatever doubts or fears you may still have, you must address them head-on. Maybe you still have questions on the Bible versus science (and more specifically, creation vs. the theory of evolution, etc.), on Jesus and His life, death, and resurrection, or on His claim to be God. At some point, you will have to decide whether you believe “the wisdom of the world” (i.e., the wisdom of man and the ways of this world; 1Co 1:20; cf. 1Co 3:19; 1:27; Jas 3:14–15; Pro 14:12; 16:25; Rom 3:4) or “the word of God” (Act 4:31; 6:7; 8:14; 11:1; etc.)—you must choose one or the other, for there is no middle ground (Jos 24:15).

You will find that in nearly all cases relating to the spiritual war[1] in which we are engaged with the forces of evil/darkness (Eph 6:10–18; cf. Gen 3:15; Rev 12:12), it is the popular, trendy, and majority opinions of man that are actually the wrong (broad) way (Mat 7:13)—following the herd will lead you to eternal death (Pro 14:12; 16:25). Following God leads to “life” (Joh 3:16–17; 5:39–40; 6:33, 35, 47–48, 51, 63, 68; 10:10; 11:25–26; 14:6; Rom 4:17; 6:23); away from Him is only “darkness” (Mat 25:30; Act 26:18; Col 1:13; Jud 13; 2Pe 2:4, 17; cf. Mat 6:23; 8:12; 22:13; Luk 11:34; Joh 1:5; 3:19; 8:12; 12:35, 46; Rom 2:19; 13:12; 1Co 4:5; 2Co 6:14; Eph 4:18; 5:8, 11; 6:12; 1Pe 2:9; 1Jn 1:6; 2:8; Pro 4:19) and “death” (Rev 2:11; 20:6, 13–14; 21:8; cf. Luk 1:79; Joh 5:24; 8:51–52; Act 2:24; Rom 5:12–14; 6:9–10; 1Co 15:21–26, 54–56; 2Ti 1:10; Heb 2:14–15; Jas 1:15; Rev 1:18). Remember, there is a “spirit of error” (1Jn 4:6) in the world, and there are also “deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons” (1Ti 4:1–2; cf. 1Jn 4:1–2; Joh 14:17; 1Co 2:12–14; 2Th 2:9–11; Rev 20:8; 1Sa 16:14). Please understand that these evil entities are trying to:

1. Derail your faith,
2. Keep you from eternal life, and
3. Prevent you from having peace in God.

The main lesson from John’s example is similar to the case of Peter walking on water: Don’t let momentary fears and doubts derail your faith (2Ti 4:7; Php 3:12–14; 1Co 16:13; Eph 6:11). If necessary, redouble your efforts to read and study Scripture (Act 17:11; Mat 4:4; Psa 1:2) to solidify any areas about which you have doubts, concerns, or questions.

CHAPTER PRAYER

Glorious Father in heaven, thank You for the gift of today and Your amazing love, mercy, grace, and forgiveness. Thank You for being slow to anger, abounding in lovingkindness, and full of mercy and grace. Thank You for bearing with me as I face some doubts. Please grant me Your wisdom, the wisdom from above, to understand Your Word and help me in this trial. Help me stand firm in my faith in all things and at all times. Grant me also any necessary courage and strength that I may need. Thank You. It is in Christ Jesus that I ask for these things. Amen.