Luke 7:20

“When the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?”

Context:Luke 7:20 is part of a larger passage that recounts an encounter between Jesus and John the Baptist’s disciples. John the Baptist was in prison at the time, and he sent his disciples to ask Jesus a question. This verse marks the moment when the disciples approached Jesus with their inquiry.

Questioning Jesus’ Identity:John the Baptist’s disciples asked Jesus if He was the Messiah (“he that should come”) or if they should expect someone else. This question reflects a moment of doubt and uncertainty. It indicates that even those who were close to John the Baptist were seeking confirmation about Jesus’ identity and mission.

John’s Expectations:John the Baptist was a prominent figure in the Jewish community and had been preaching about the coming Messiah. He had baptized Jesus and had previously proclaimed Him as the Lamb of God (John 1:29). However, in prison, John may have had doubts or sought reassurance about Jesus’ messiahship due to his circumstances.

Jesus’ Response:In the following verses (Luke 7:21-23), Jesus responded by performing miracles and pointing to the evidence of His ministry: healing the blind, raising the dead, and preaching good news to the poor. He instructed John’s disciples to report these things to John as a confirmation of His identity and the fulfillment of Messianic prophecies (Isaiah 35:5-6; 61:1).

Jesus as the Expected One:Jesus’ response affirms that He is the Messiah, the long-awaited Savior. His ministry and miracles fulfill the prophecies of the Old Testament and authenticate His identity. Through His works and teachings, Jesus offers evidence of His divine mission.

Faith and Doubt:This passage also highlights the tension between faith and doubt. Even John the Baptist, a faithful prophet and forerunner of Jesus, had moments of uncertainty. It reminds us that doubts are not uncommon and that seeking answers and confirmation is a natural part of the human experience. Jesus responded to John’s disciples with compassion and evidence, assuring them of His true identity.

• Application:Luke 7:20 encourages us to approach our doubts and questions with a spirit of inquiry and seek answers from Jesus. We can bring our uncertainties to Him, trusting that He will respond with grace and evidence. Furthermore, it reminds us of the importance of examining the evidence of Jesus’ life, teachings, and miracles to strengthen our faith and reinforce our conviction in Him as the Messiah.