This question seems innocuous on first reading. I recently heard a preacher state this was the most disturbing question in the New Testament. Why would that be?

Consider who is asking the question. If this was Peter, it would make sense. If this was Thomas we would definitely understand! However, this is John the Baptist. The man who came to announce the coming of the Messiah into the world!

Just a short time before this, we see this prophet hailing the coming of the Son of God. In the Gospel of John, John the Baptist says: “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”

Now, he finds himself doubting whether that is true. Here we find John the Baptist asking this question. Jesus – are you really the one? Should we keep searching for another?

How does this happen? Well, notice where John finds himself in the text. He’s in prison. He’s under persecution. He is soon to be murdered for speaking the truth. He’s in a dark place.

Trial, crisis and persecution can so often cause us to doubt God’s goodness and purposes. I wonder if you have experienced this over the last 8 months.

American minister Victor Raymond Edman once said: ‘Don’t doubt in the dark what God promised in the light.’

In seasons of difficulty and trial, it can be easy to forget God’s love and sovereignty. It’s easy to be distracted from His kindness, or God’s faithfulness. It’s easy to focus on the mountain before us instead the God who moves mountains with a word.

In this season – despite what we’re facing – may we be a community who hold fast to the promises of God, and cling to the Cross of Christ. Who endure to the end, not because of our will power, or our might, but by keeping our gaze fixed on the founder and the finisher of our faith – who is forever faithful.