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?
Luke 7:20 (KJV)
Context
Luke 7:20 records the moment when two disciples of John the Baptist, sent by John from prison, approach Jesus and deliver his question: “Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?” This verse is the direct fulfillment of the commission given in Luke 7:19, where John called two of his disciples and sent them to the Lord with the same inquiry. The context is John’s imprisonment, likely at Machaerus, and his hearing of Christ’s works, which prompted this inquiry.
Meaning
The question itself is a recognized messianic title, “he that should come,” reflecting the Old Testament expectation of the promised Messiah. The men’s arrival and their message are the focal point of the verse, setting the stage for Jesus’ response in the following verses. The question is not necessarily a sign of John’s personal unbelief; rather, it may have been asked for the benefit of his disciples, to confirm Jesus’ identity and mission. Even those close to John the Baptist were seeking confirmation about Jesus’ identity and mission.
Biblical connections
John the Baptist 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. 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). The parallel account in Matthew 11:3 presents the same question, confirming the historical and canonical significance of this event.
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.
Reflection
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.
