The Faith of John the Baptist – A Reflection on Matthew 11:2-3 in the Week of Gaudete, The Third Sunday in Advent

Did John the Baptist doubt that Jesus was the Messiah? Many read Matthew 11:2–3 that way. John is in prison. He is only human. And Scripture itself gives us reason to sympathize. Isaiah promised that when the Messiah came, the blind would see, the deaf would hear, the lame would walk—and captives would be set free (Isaiah 35:5; 61:1). John sits behind bars while the Christ walks free. It is not hard to see why some conclude that John’s question, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” must arise from doubt. I understand that reading. I once found it persuasive myself. But I can no longer accept it, at least not in that sense.

Yes, John was human. Yes, John was a sinner. Yes, John surely had doubts about many things. But there is one thing John could not and did not doubt: that Jesus is the Messiah.

John was filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb (Luke 1:15). He leapt for joy in Elizabeth’s womb at Mary’s greeting, already in the presence of his Lord (Luke 1:41). John confessed openly that he was not the Christ (John 1:20), and in humility denied even being Elijah (John 1:21) though Jesus Himself declares that John is the promised Elijah (Matthew 11:14; 17:12–13). John said he was unworthy to untie the strap of Jesus’ sandal (John 1:27). He insisted that Jesus must increase while he must decrease (John 3:30). John heard the Father’s voice at Jesus’ baptism saying, “This is my beloved Son with whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17. And what does Jesus say of John? “Among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist” (Matthew 11:11). No one greater, not Abraham, not Moses, not David, not Elijah.

John was a sinner. Surely John wrestled. Surely John suffered. But John did not doubt who Jesus was.

Do you doubt that Jesus is the Messiah? What trial or tribulation would it take to shake that most fundamental confession? John’s imprisonment was not a failure of faith, but the final chapter of his vocation. Even if no messenger had returned to him with words of comfort and fulfillment, John still believed. Weak faith is still faith. Struggling faith is still faith. Even faith that trembles under the weight of suffering is still faith.

John knew his calling. He must decrease. Prison and death were not interruptions of that calling but its fulfillment. And John carried it out in faith, faith in Christ and love for his neighbor. We do not need to imagine John’s doubt in order to make him comforting to us. His faith, steadfast even in chains, already does that beautifully.