It’s a dark, damp cell. The air is thick with the smell of mildew and despair. John the Baptist, once a fiery preacher in the wilderness, now sits in chains, his spirit as confined as his body. He’s heard the rumors—stories of miracles, of a man who might be the long-awaited Messiah. But doubt gnaws at him. Is this Jesus truly the one, or has he been mistaken? In his darkest hour, John sends his disciples to ask Jesus directly: “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” (Luke 7:20, ESV).
Jesus’ response is not a simple yes or no. Instead, He points to the evidence: “Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the poor have good news preached to them. And blessed is the one who is not offended by me” (Luke 7:22-23, ESV).
In this moment, Jesus doesn’t just affirm His identity; He offers a lifeline to a soul adrift in doubt. John, like many of us, needed reassurance that God’s promises were still true, even when circumstances screamed otherwise. His story is a powerful reminder that even the greatest among us can falter, and yet, God’s grace meets us in our weakness. If you’re battling a dark season of discouragement or doubt, this passage holds hope for you too. Let’s explore it together.
A Prophet in Prison
John the Baptist was no ordinary man. Jesus Himself declared, “Among those born of women none is greater than John” (Luke 7:28, ESV). He was the forerunner, the one who prepared the way for the Messiah, baptizing Jesus and witnessing the Spirit descend upon Him (Luke 3:21-22). Yet, here he is, imprisoned by Herod, facing imminent execution, and wrestling with uncertainty.
Why did John doubt? It may be the stark contrast between his expectations and his reality. He had preached about the coming kingdom, proclaiming, “His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire” (Luke 3:17, ESV). He expected a Messiah who would overthrow oppressors and establish justice. But now, languishing in prison, he saw no signs of political deliverance. Jesus was healing the sick and preaching to the poor, but where was the fire and judgment John had foretold?
John’s doubt wasn’t a sign of weak faith but a human response to unmet expectations. He needed confirmation that his life’s work hadn’t been in vain. And in his vulnerability, he reached out to Jesus, seeking truth. If you’ve ever felt let down by God—waiting for a breakthrough that hasn’t come—you’re not alone. John’s story shows us that doubt doesn’t disqualify us from God’s love; it’s an invitation to seek Him more deeply.
Exegesis of Luke 7:22-23: Jesus’ Answer
Let’s unpack Jesus’ response to John’s disciples. He doesn’t rebuke John for his doubt; instead, He provides evidence that aligns with Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah.
Luke 7:22 – The Evidence of the Messiah
“Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the poor have good news preached to them.” (Luke 7:22, ESV)
Each of these miracles fulfills specific promises from the Old Testament, proving Jesus’ messianic identity:
The blind receive their sight: Isaiah 35:5 says, “Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened.” The Greek word typhloi (τυφλοὶ) refers to physical blindness but can also symbolize spiritual blindness. Jesus’ healing opens both physical and spiritual eyes to His kingdom.
The lame walk: Isaiah 35:6 promises, “Then shall the lame man leap like a deer.” Choloi (χωλοὶ) means those crippled or unable to walk. Their healing signifies restored mobility and, metaphorically, the ability to walk in righteousness.
Lepers are cleansed: While not explicitly prophesied, cleansing leproi (λεπροὶ)—outcasts deemed unclean—demonstrates Jesus’ authority over disease and His power to restore people to community and worship.
The deaf hear: Isaiah 35:5 also says, “The ears of the deaf unstopped.” Kophoi (κωφοὶ) can mean deaf or mute, and their healing symbolizes ears opened to God’s word and tongues freed to proclaim it.
The dead are raised: Isaiah 26:19 declares, “Your dead shall live; their bodies shall rise.” Nekroi (νεκροὶ) signifies physical death, and raising them is the ultimate sign of Jesus’ authority over life, foreshadowing His resurrection.
The poor have good news preached to them: Isaiah 61:1 states, “The Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor.” Ptochoi (πτωχοὶ) are the destitute and marginalized. Preaching to them reveals the inclusive heart of Jesus’ ministry.
By listing these miracles, Jesus essentially says, “Look at the evidence. I am fulfilling the prophecies that point to the Messiah.” He invites John—and us—to see beyond present suffering and recognize the kingdom’s arrival in acts of mercy and power.
Luke 7:23 – The Blessing of Trust
“And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.” (Luke 7:23, ESV)
This statement is pivotal. The Greek word for “offended” is skandalizō (σκανδαλισθῇ), meaning to stumble or be trapped, derived from the action of triggering a bird trap. Jesus acknowledges that His ministry might cause some to stumble because it defies expectations. He came not as a conquering king but as a suffering servant, healing the broken and preaching to the lowly. This was a scandal to many, possibly even John.
Yet, Jesus pronounces a blessing (makarios, meaning happy or fortunate) on those who don’t stumble—who accept Him as He is, not as they wish Him to be. This beatitude calls us to trust God’s plan, even when it confounds us.
Key Words in the Original Language
To deepen our understanding, let’s explore these Greek terms further:
Typhloi (τυφλοὶ) – “The blind”: Beyond physical sight, it suggests those blind to God’s truth. Jesus’ miracles reveal both physical and spiritual light.
Choloi (χωλοὶ) – “The lame”: Healing them restores not just legs but life’s purpose, mirroring our spiritual renewal in Christ.
Leproi (λεπροὶ) – “Lepers”: Their cleansing reflects Jesus’ power to make us clean, welcoming us into His family.
Kophoi (κωφοὶ) – “The deaf”: Opened ears and loosened tongues equip us to hear and share the gospel.
Nekroi (νεκροὶ) – “The dead”: Raising them points to eternal life, the hope we cling to in dark times.
Ptochoi (πτωχοὶ) – “The poor”: The good news lifts the lowly, showing God’s heart for the overlooked.
Skandalizō (σκανδαλισθῇ) – “Offended”: It warns against letting unmet expectations trap us into rejecting Jesus.
These words aren’t just historical details; they carry spiritual weight, revealing Jesus’ mission and our response to it.
Our Seasons of Doubt
John’s story resonates because we, too, face dark seasons. Illness, loss, unmet desires, or unanswered prayers can shake our faith. Like John, we may wonder if God is truly at work. I’ve had moments like this—praying for a loved one’s healing that didn’t come, or waiting for a job that never materialized. The silence felt deafening, the doubt overwhelming.
In these times, Jesus’ response to John offers a roadmap:
Look to the Evidence: Reflect on God’s past faithfulness. I recall a time when God provided a friend’s encouragement just when I needed it most—a small miracle, but real. What’s your evidence?
Trust the Prophecies: Scripture promises God works all things for good (Romans 8:28). Even when I can’t see it, I can trust His word.
Accept God’s Methods: Jesus didn’t free John from prison, but He affirmed His mission. God’s answers may not match my plans, but they’re perfect (Isaiah 55:8-9).
Beware of Offense: It’s tempting to grow bitter when God doesn’t act as I expect. But Jesus blesses those who trust Him anyway.
Unmet Expectations are the Root of Discouragement
Unmet expectations often fuel our doubts. We pray for deliverance, but the trial lingers. We seek justice, but evil persists. John likely felt this tension, expecting a liberator, not a healer. Jesus’ miracles were glorious, but they weren’t the revolution John envisioned.
Yet, Jesus gently corrects this view. The kingdom was advancing through compassion, not conquest. For us, this means rethinking our expectations. God’s work might be quiet—a peace that steadies us, a community that supports us, a strength to endure. These are His miracles, too.
Encouragement for the Weary
If you’re weary, take heart. John, the greatest among men, wrestled with doubt, and Jesus met him with grace. Here’s how to press on:
Pray Honestly: Share your fears with Jesus. He can handle it. Psalm 62:8 says, “Pour out your heart before him.”
Recount God’s Faithfulness: List times He’s come through—big or small. It builds faith for today.
Dive into Scripture: Stories like Joseph’s (Genesis 37-50) or David’s (1 Samuel 16-31) show God’s perfect timing.
Lean on Community: Share your burden with others. They can lift you when you’re weak (Galatians 6:2).
Serve Others: Helping someone else can shift your focus and renew your spirit.
Trusting in the Dark
John never left that cell, but his faith was rewarded with a sense of assurance. He learned God’s plan was bigger than his expectations. For us, the message echoes: in the dark, look to God’s faithfulness, trust His promises, and embrace His ways. “Blessed is the one who is not offended by me.”
If you’re waiting, step back and recount God’s goodness. Declare that He’s working, even now. He moves when you pray, and He cherishes your faith. Believe it. Embrace it. It’s true.
Prayer: Lord, in our doubt and discouragement, remind us of Your faithfulness. Open our eyes to Your work, strengthen our trust, and keep us from stumbling. May we find peace in Your perfect plan. Amen.
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