Luke Experience The Beginning Of Jesus’ Ministry Sýnishorn

Faith Erases Doubt

In this chapter, Jesus's ministry is marked by his continuous care of those who are sick and suffering. Jesus heals a Roman army officer’s servant. He raises a grieving widow’s only son from the dead. And, at the home of an arrogant, judgmental religious leader, a woman with a checkered past repents and finds salvation as she anoints Jesus's feet with her most precious possession—an expensive perfume. In each of these situations, someone is the recipient of a blessing. 

Between this flurry of healings, a distraught, imprisoned John the Baptist sends his followers to ask if Jesus is truly “the one” (Luke 7:20). Jesus encourages John’s followers to share with John the miracles they have witnessed. he ends his conversation with them by saying, “God will bless everyone who doesn’t reject Me because of what I do” (7:23). Perhaps Jesus's response was a reminder to John to hold fast to his faith. 

It is almost unimaginable that John, the forerunner of Jesus, would question whether Jesus was indeed the Messiah. Yet, if we put his question in context, John is languishing in prison for the sake of the gospel and probably wonders why, despite the miracles that Jesus is doing, nothing has been done on his behalf. It is human to doubt; however, being in the presence of Jesus erases doubt and brings hope. 

When facing difficulty, we may question if God will work out our circumstances. Or we may wonder how long our pain and suffering will last. We may even have doubts about what happens after death. May we never doubt Jesus and his purpose for our lives. 

Jesus has come to restore us and will do so if we have faith and give him access to our hearts. Having Christ does not mean that we do not experience suffering or distress. It means that Jesus will be with us always—in the midst of all of our struggles —even when we experience doubt. 

Reflect

What situations most often cause you to feel that Jesus has forgotten about you? How can trusting in Jesus's nature and character help to dispel those doubts? 

Pray

God, help us to trust you for our future by remembering how you have helped us in the past. 

Respond 

Ask God to help you use past victories as stepping stones to greater faith when you are plagued by doubt. 

Father, remind me always that you are my hope, my tower of strength. I will patiently wait for your deliverance in times of trouble.