When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her [Elizabeth] womb. Luke 1: 41. 

“Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” John 1:29.

Jesus called John the Baptist the greatest prophet. It is that same John who was the baby that leaped in his mother’s womb at the recognition and nearness of Jesus, who at the time was a babe in His mother Mary’s womb.

It is that same John, grown up and reputable, who proclaims to others that it is Jesus who is the Messiah.

Yet, while John was imprisoned and heard of Jesus’ works, he sent his disciples to find out if indeed Jesus truly was the Expected One, or should someone else be looked for?

What happened to John’s certainty? Did he lose it because he was confused about Jesus’ role? Like most of the Jews who believed Jesus was their Savior, he may have thought Jesus to be a conquering political king; that He would free their land from the occupying Roman army.

If so, when he heard that Jesus wasn’t moving in that direction, and knew that Jesus hadn’t made any attempts to free him, it probably was confusion, and maybe even doubt, that caused him to send his disciples to Jesus to see what was going on.

This is a good story for me to remember when I sometimes question God’s actions; when I allow uncertainty to tantalize me. If one of the greats of the Bible can have a lapse of discernment or doubt, then I don’t have to beat myself up so badly when it happens to me.

Also, remembering Jesus’ reminder to John is reassuring. His response to John’s disciples was, “The blind receive sight and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he who does not take offense at Me.” Matthew 11: 4-6.

Whatever God does or doesn’t do for me; whether or not I understand His works and the timing thereof; I know that He has me and all others in mind. His works and timing in all of our lives correspond to Him always doing the most important thing. His actions are always for the sake of saving our souls through the Gospel.

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We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8: 28.