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by Kevin Pauley
Then John's disciples told him about all these things. So John summoned two of his disciples and sent them to the Lord, asking, "Are You the One who is to come, or should we look for someone else?" - Luke 7:18-19 HCSB
When studying biblical texts, it is critical to make sure that we understand their full context: historical, geographical, cultural, political etc.
If we consider the parallel passage of the above passage found in Matthew 11:1-9, we discover that John the Baptist[1] was in prison and could not go to Jesus. Apparently, he was not in isolation, however, and thus was able to call for a couple of his disciples and send them to the Messiah with his question.
Though John had always previously been bold and outspoken, when placed in jail and faced with near certain death, he began to struggle with fear. However, it’s important to note the nature of his question because it gives us insight into the nature of his fear.
He asked, "Are You the One who is to come, or should we expect someone else?"[2] He was not afraid for his life. He was afraid that he had missed the boat and perhaps even steered others wrong.
It reminds me of another suffering saint – our brother Job – who, when also faced with great suffering said, “…I would leap for joy in unrelenting pain that I have not denied the words of the Holy One. What strength do I have that I should continue to hope?...Is my strength that of stone?...”[3] Job’s principle fear was that, in his fleshly weakness, he would end up denying the Lord as his wife already had.[4]
The lesson that we learn from Job and John is that true godly concern, driven by godly fear, should focus on our spiritual condition and our stewardship of Hashem’s resources (including time and opportunities) rather than on our physical circumstances.
Another important lesson is the necessity of replicating the Faith in others and thus surrounding ourselves with godly friends who can help us in tough times. Had John not faithfully made disciples, he would not have had the wherewithal to communicate with the Lord.
As Quoheleth said, “Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts. For if either falls, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to lift him up. Also, if two lie down together, they can keep warm; but how can one person alone keep warm? And if somebody overpowers one person, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not easily broken.”[5]
The Master’s mandate to “go and make disciples”[6] is not merely to be obeyed for His sake. Every disciple that we make is another member of our family, another adopted Jew, who can stand with us in the gap[7] and help push back the darkness.
[2] Matthew 11:3; Luke 7:19-20
[3] Job 6:10-13 HCSB
Kevin Pauley is a pastor and writer. He lives in Illinois with his wife, Lynn, their five children and two dogs. His internet address is Berea.
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