After Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in the towns of Galilee. When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”

Have you ever been joined at the hip with a friend for a long period of time, only to have them doubt you and question your faith or motives during a challenging time? I have had this happen.

Jesus saw it here with John the Baptist. John was called by God to prepare the way for the Messiah, to call people to repentance, to prepare their hearts for the light and life Jesus would bring. And he did so faithfully.

He spoke the truth to leaders and laborers alike. And because of this stand, he called Herod out for sleeping with his brother’s wife, which landed him in jail.

Now John sends his disciples to ask Jesus a peculiar question: “Are you the one who is to come, or should I expect someone else?” The clear implication here is that John does not see the actions he anticipated out of Jesus, or it is taking too long for these actions to transpire. Remember, John is in a dark and cold jail cell, and who knows how he is being treated?

If I am honest, I have asked questions like this of God quite a few times: Why does justice seem so far away? When I act in obedience, why does it seem like I get punished? Your plan seems to be taking too long, God, can you please hurry up?

John was likely in a state like this. And the good news for us is, Jesus was gracious to him. He sent word through his disciples to reassure John the Baptist’s faith. He told them to report the wonders of God they see through Jesus.

I think Jesus was also trying to instruct both John and John’s disciples here. The acts of God are not always big and global in scope. Sometimes, they are relational and involve individuals. He builds up faith and followers and then multiples their impact by his Spirit.

Jesus did not need to accomplish the worldwide spread of the gospel, the overthrow of the Romans, and the removal of the impact of the Jewish leaders. God would do that through his followers. His mission was to disciple a few and sacrifice for all.

Lord, thank you for your patience with the faith of John the Baptist. It means that you are also patient with me and my faith. Help me to trust you even when I can’t see you working, or it seems you have forgotten about me. Your plans are greater and your ways are better, always and all the time!