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When Faith Meets Doubt

When Jesus had finished giving these instructions to his twelve disciples, he went out to teach and preach in towns throughout the region. John the Baptist, who was in prison, heard about all the things the Messiah was doing. So he sent his disciples to ask Jesus, “Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?”

Jesus told them, “Go back to John and tell him what you have heard and seen— the blind see, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor.” And he added, “God blesses those who do not fall away because of me.”

As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began talking about him to the crowds. “What kind of man did you go into the wilderness to see? Was he a weak reed, swayed by every breath of wind? Or were you expecting to see a man dressed in expensive clothes? No, people with expensive clothes live in palaces. Were you looking for a prophet? Yes, and he is more than a prophet. John is the man to whom the Scriptures refer when they say, ‘Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, and he will prepare your way before you.’

“I tell you the truth, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John the Baptist. Yet even the least person in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he is! And from the time John the Baptist began preaching until now, the Kingdom of Heaven has been forcefully advancing, and violent people are attacking it. For before John came, all the prophets and the law of Moses looked forward to this present time. And if you are willing to accept what I say, he is Elijah, the one the prophets said would come. Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand!

“To what can I compare this generation? It is like children playing a game in the public square. They complain to their friends, ‘We played wedding songs, and you didn’t dance, so we played funeral songs, and you didn’t mourn.’ For John didn’t spend his time eating and drinking, and you say, ‘He’s possessed by a demon.’ The Son of Man, on the other hand, feasts and drinks, and you say, ‘He’s a glutton and a drunkard, and a friend of tax collectors and other sinners!’ But wisdom is shown to be right by its results.” MATTHEW 11:1-19 NLT

FAITH AND DOUBT ARE COMPANIONS ON MY JOURNEY OF FOLLOWING JESUS

Be merciful with those who doubt… JUDE 22 NIV

O LORD, how long will you forget me? Forever? How long will you look the other way? PSALM 13:1-2 NLT

MY DOUBTS BECOME UNBELIEF WHEN I DEMAND CONTROL

For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is proved right by her deeds.” MATTHEW 11:18-19 NIV

MY DOUBTS FIND HOPE, NOT IN CERTAINTY OR CONTROL, BUT IN CHRIST

Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” JOHN 20:24-28 NIV

My Notes

Personal Reflection Guide

Settle into a quiet place where you can begin to reflect on how doubt has played a role in your faith and walk with God. Do you find you’re quick to doubt? What do you do or where do you turn when you’re doubting yourself, God or others? How have your doubts informed your expectations of Jesus? Invite God to help you better understand any doubts you’re currently facing. Read Matthew 11:1-19 reflecting on Jesus’ response to John the Baptist’s doubt and the way He goes on to address the crowd’s expectations. As you read Jesus’ sermon, be real and ask yourself: Which of His points are difficult to understand or apply to your life? How are you encouraged or challenged when it comes to doubt, control, unbelief, or holding onto hope? Pray for an increase of wisdom, peace and hope in those areas where you’re doubting or struggling to hold onto faith.

Discussion Questions

For our Matthew series, we’re offering two options for discussing the sermon and Scripture. Choose option A or B to guide your group’s discussion time.

(A) The R.E.A.L. Bible Study Method:

1. Read the Passage. Start by reading Matthew 11:1-19 (NLT) out loud.

2. Explore the Theme. What are the main points or theme of the passage? What does this passage reveal about God and/or humanity? Consider the points and the other passages referenced in the sermon notes in your discussion.

3. Apply the Lesson. How do we apply these passages to our lives today? What from the passage might God be encouraging or challenging you in?

4. Live It Out. What prayerful and specific action will you take based on what you learned?

(B) Choose a couple of questions from each section below to discuss as a group:

  1. START HERE: Why do you think so many Christians have deconstructed their faith?
  2. START HERE: What do you do or where do you turn when you face doubts?
  3. START HERE: What's one expectation you have for Jesus that He hasn't met?
  4. KEEP GOING: How do your doubts inform your expectations of God?
  5. KEEP GOING: Read Matthew 11:18-19. In what ways is Jesus different from what you might have expected, yet still exactly what you need?
  6. KEEP GOING: Read Matthew 11:4-5. What have you seen or heard Jesus do, whether in your life or the lives of others, that speaks to your doubts?
  7. KEEP GOING: Read John 20:24-28. How does Jesus respond to Thomas’ doubt? How do you think He would respond to yours?
  8. KEEP GOING: Read Psalm 13:1-2. Are there any questions that God has allowed to remain unanswered in your life? How does waiting on Him impact your faith?
  9. LIVE IT OUT: When doubts surface, what are some healthy ways you can deal with them?
  10. LIVE IT OUT: How can you come alongside people in your life who are wrestling with doubt? Pray for, then pursue an opportunity to tell someone how God has met, helped or sustained you in the face of your own doubts.