Matthew 11:1-30 NIV
After Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in the towns of Galilee. (2) When John heard in prison what Christ was doing, he sent his disciples (3) to ask him, "Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?" What is John asking? He is Jesus' cousin! He leapt in the womb when he heard Mary's voice as she talked to his mother (Luke 1:41 When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.) He saw the sky open and a dove land on Jesus and heard the voice of the Father say "This is my son..." (Matthew 3:13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. 14 But John tried to deter him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" 15 Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." Then John consented. As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased."
Is John really doubting who Jesus is? I think his real question is: "Uh, cousin, I mean Lord, if you are God, which I think you are, then Dude (notice the capital "D" when referring to the Dude), could you please get me out of this prison?"(4) Jesus replied, "Go back and report to John what you hear and see: (5) The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. (6) Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me." Why would John fall away? Maybe because Jesus isn't doing what John expects Him to. John ends up getting his head cut off and offered to the adulterous wife of King Herod on a silver platter (that's where the expression "... head on a silver platter" comes from.) Jesus makes clear that He is the Savior, the Christ, by reminding John that He fulfills the prophecies of old and performs miracles. John's work on earth was finished and the Kingdom of Heaven brought by Faith in Jesus was upon the world. John lost his head, but gained paradise forever. Cool. When God doesn't do what you expect He will, put your trust in Him even more. He doesn't promise anything in this life but peace and love if you follow Him. Don't fall away from trusting Him. Losing your head literally is far better than losing your head figuratively by losing your Faith! Jesus promises everything will be perfect in the end.
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