By Douglas K. Wilson, Ph. D.
Professor of Biblical Studies, University of Mobile
CONFRONTING DOUBTS
Matthew 11:1–6, 16–24
Jesus is not threatened by doubt but faith demands decision. In our passage this week, we observe Jesus confronting doubts from John the Baptist, John’s disciples and unbelievers in the towns where Jesus had previously ministered.
Uncertainty (1–6)
When John first baptized Jesus, his certainty about Jesus’ messianic identity was affirmed through Jesus’ own words, the Holy Spirit’s appearance as a dove and the voice of the Father. Time passed, and Jesus had not yet fulfilled John’s expectations. Was Jesus the One they were looking for?
How was it that John was so uncertain that he sent his disciples to question Jesus? First-century Jews were looking for a military messiah, an economic emancipator, a political prince who would set their people free from the oppressive Roman regime that had replaced the Babylonians, Persians and Greeks who had preceded them. Even the disciples asked Jesus when He would reestablish the Davidic kingdom (Acts 1:6).
Jesus responded to the inquiry by describing how He had demonstrated messianic authority. The deaf hear, the lame walk, the blind see and the dead are raised. Who but the Anointed One of God could do such things? Happy and satisfied is the one who is not scandalized by Jesus.
Cynicism (16–19)
John the Baptist lived away from crowds, much like the Essenes with whom he is often associated. He was not inclined to attend social gatherings. By contrast, Jesus spent time with people. He went to weddings and banquets, and He showed little concern for how others perceived the company He kept. The cynics who watched them complained about John for being antisocial and about Jesus for being too social!
The generation Jesus described sounds similar to our current American mindset. Visit social media sites or listen to people gossip, and you may be inclined to become a people-pleaser, being more concerned for how observers judge your words and appearances than what assignment God has given you to do.
Denial (20–24)
Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum — these coastal towns on the northern edge of the Sea of Galilee were where Jesus lived and ministered, yet many of the people there rejected Jesus. They were witnesses to His words. They saw the Savior bring healing to the hurting. In the final judgment, they will receive no pardon. Why? Unlike Nineveh in the days of Jonah, where the people repented in sackcloth and ashes, the people of these towns denied Jesus.
Genesis 19 describes the destruction of Sodom by fire and brimstone. If the southern city of Sodom had seen Jesus’ miracles, it would have remained for another two millennia rather than being destroyed in the days of Abraham.
Sidon and Tyre were prominent northern Mediterranean coastal city-states whose people worshipped Baal and other gods during the time of the prophets. Jesus said those cities would have repented had they seen His miracles.
Jesus taught that denial of His identity is intolerable and that those who do not believe will go to hell (Hades). Knowing Jesus is not enough. Think about it. James and his brothers knew Jesus, but they did not believe in Him (John 7:5) until after the Resurrection (Acts 1:14). They came to trust Jesus as their only Lord and Savior through the Crucifixion and Resurrection.
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