Expectations
John the Baptist seems to question Jesus’s identity in Luke 7:18, when he sends two of his disciples to ask, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” It’s an interesting question coming from John. Considering John is the one who recognized Jesus in utero and leaped for joy (Luke 1:44) and then testified that Jesus was God’s Chosen One after seeing the Spirit of God descend on Him at His baptism (John 1:34).
What could possibly have brought on John’s doubts?
Perhaps the answer involves unmet expectations. John’s circumstances certainly leave something to be desired. Here he is, unjustly imprisoned for having faithfully completed the work of God. While he sits in jail, reports about the work Jesus is doing drift back to him. Not only is Jesus doing nothing to intervene in John’s personal situation; He also seems to be doing nothing about the oppressive rule of the Romans. This news would have been disillusioning for people who have been awaiting the coming of a political Messiah.
But Jesus responds to John’s question by pointing out that He’s fulfilling Old Testament prophecy. The blind see, the lame walk, the sick are cured, and the good news is being preached to the poor. These signs were foretold in Scripture:
“Then will the eyes of the blind be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy.” - Isaiah 35:5-6
It’s interesting to me that this interaction with John is recorded soon after Jesus’s encounter with the centurion, about whom He says, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.” (Luke 7:9).
I find myself wondering if the centurion’s faith didn’t have something to do with the fact that he was an outsider. Unlike John the Baptist, the centurion had no preconceived notions about what Jesus should be. Instead, he was free to witness the miracles and draw his own conclusions.
Perhaps we can learn something from these two encounters with Jesus. To set aside our expectations about who He is and what He should do for us. And, like the centurion, to simply trust in His power and goodness.
