Bible Study

Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon:

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Sermon Notes:

1. Why Did John Doubt?

• John is imprisoned after confronting Herod.
• From prison he hears Jesus’ ministry reports.
• Jesus is not matching his expectations:
  • John expected judgment (axe, winnowing fork).
  • Jesus is healing, teaching mercy, loving enemies.
• Doubt often grows when God doesn’t meet our expectations.
• We risk:
  • Disbelief (walking away), or
  • Idolatry (reshaping God into our image).

2. What Did John Do With His Doubt?

• He brought his question directly to Jesus.
• The Psalms model honest questioning (“How long, Lord?”).
• Honest questions brought to God are themselves an act of faith.
• We bring our doubts to:
  • Prayer,
  • Scripture,
  • Community (church, classes, Alpha).

3. How Did Jesus Respond?

• Jesus doesn’t condemn John.
• He points to evidence: “What you see and hear”—lives changed, people healed, good news preached.
• He points John back to Scripture (Isaiah).
• Jesus gently corrects John’s expectations and strengthens his faith.
• God often strengthens us by showing us His work in others’ lives.

Conclusion

• The final answer to our doubt is not an argument—but a person: Jesus.

Discussion Questions:

1. Is it surprising to you that great saints sometimes experience great doubt and discouragement?

2. Can you think of a time when God didn't meet your expectations?

3. Why is bringing our doubts to God itself an act of faith?

4. What are the two things Jesus does in response to John's question? How might those also help us in times of doubt or discouragement?

5. Do our doubts separate us from Jesus?

Questions?

Do you have a question about today’s sermon? Email Randy Forrester (

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