While John the Baptist was in prison (Luke 3:19-20), he sent his disciples to question Jesus about his authenticity as the Messiah. As a prophet who was called the forerunner of the Messiah, he was also human. At a vulnerable stage under the oppression of the corrupt leaders, he had been discouraged, and doubt crept into his heart.

Jesus assured him that his ministry – his healing and preaching the gospel – resembled what had been foretold by the prophets (Isaiah 35:5-6). Do you feel confused because what you see is not what you had anticipated? When in doubt, examine the Scriptures for what God has promised. And ask the Lord for wisdom and insight to discern what you see based on His words.

Jesus went on to validate John as the greatest among the prophets. John symbolizes the end of the Old Testament era and the anticipation of the Messiah's fulfillment of the promises. Jesus and John may have looked different from the outside. John preached in the wilderness and lived an ascetic lifestyle. Jesus went from town to town, as a groom enjoying his banquet (9:15). Regardless, they preached the same message, and the people of Israel rejected them both (18-19).
Application: Father, thank you for Jesus, who brings the reality of the hope in heaven. Your work reveals the truth in your words.
One Word: The word of God will tell us