How can we support others struggling with doubt, as seen in Luke 7:20? Setting the Scene • Luke 7:20: “When the men came to Jesus, they said, ‘John the Baptist sent us to ask, “Are You the One who was to come, or should we look for someone else?”’” • John—the steadfast forerunner who once declared, “Behold, the Lamb of God!”—now wrestles with uncertainty in prison (Luke 3:20). • Jesus neither rebukes nor dismisses the inquiry. Instead, He provides evidence (Luke 7:22) and affirms John’s place in God’s plan (Luke 7:28). Observing the Text • Doubt can touch even the strongest believers. • Honest questions are welcomed in the presence of Christ. • Jesus answers with both deeds (“the blind receive sight…”) and words, meeting mind and heart. Key Principles for Supporting Doubters • Listen without condemnation – Proverbs 18:13 reminds us not to answer before we hear. – Jesus patiently heard the question before responding. • Point to Christ’s works and words – Share concrete testimonies of what the Lord has done (Psalm 77:11-12). – Direct friends to Scripture where Jesus’ identity shines (John 20:30-31). • Affirm their value to God – Jesus called John “more than a prophet” (Luke 7:26). – Remind struggling believers they remain precious and called (Romans 8:30). • Extend mercy, not pressure – “And indeed, have mercy on those who doubt” (Jude 1:22). • Encourage continual seeking – James 1:5: “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God… and it will be given to him.” – Assure them that persistent seeking is an act of faith, not failure. Practical Ways to Walk Alongside 1. Share Scripture aloud together—especially passages that spotlight Christ’s power and compassion (Mark 5; John 11). 2. Pray Scriptures over them privately and in their presence (Psalm 119:18; Mark 9:24). 3. Celebrate small evidences of God’s faithfulness—answered prayers, timely encouragements, transformed lives. 4. Connect them with testimonies—biographies, modern-day stories, local believers—illustrating God’s reliability. 5. Invite them into serving opportunities; active ministry often rekindles assurance (Philemon 1:6). 6. Maintain consistent, genuine fellowship—meals, conversations, texts—so they never battle doubt in isolation (Hebrews 3:13). Promises to Remember • “A bruised reed He will not break” (Isaiah 42:3). • “The one who comes to Me I will never drive away” (John 6:37). • “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted” (Psalm 34:18). • “Faithful is He who calls you, and He will also do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:24). Final Encouragement Supporting those who doubt means echoing Jesus’ gentle, truth-filled response to John: showing what the Savior is doing, affirming who He is, and walking patiently until confidence blossoms again. |
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