In Matthew 11, the “greatest man,” John the Baptist, doubts Jesus. It’s a low point for John the Baptist. But Jesus is with him. Jesus is with us, even through the dark valleys. What began as a small amount of hostility against Jesus in Matthew 9 begins to grow in chapter 11. In this chapter, Jesus not only rebukes the religious leaders but also the entire generation of those who do not believe. Jesus even denounces entire cities (Korazin, Bethsaida, and others).
The opposition to Jesus will continue to grow in Matthew 12. Even so, at the end of Matthew 11 and Matthew 12, Jesus appeals to the crowds to become His
true disciples. Jesus desires for their opposition to become acceptance. Grace is greater than failure! The “greatest” Christians will have doubts. John the Baptist is struggling with doubt as he awaits his fate in prison. Far too often, when we think of “greatness,” we think of power, prestige, fame,
and wealth. But that’s not the greatness Jesus refers to. John the Baptist is in prison. He’s having doubts about Jesus. He sends messengers to ask a fundamental question, “Is this for real?” How many of you have asked the same question? I have at times! We will have moments where we pause and wonder. Are the promises of God true?
Then Jesus calls John the Baptist the “greatest,” despite the doubts. Jesus continues, “Yet even the least person in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he is!” How can doubt propel us to greatness? Here is how. A great man or woman is less concerned about human achievement and more concerned about advancing God’s kingdom. It’s ultimately not about you achieving something but rather about you advancing the good news of Jesus. I fail a lot, but I also know Christ is all I need. I doubt myself, but there is no doubt Christ is sufficient.
The cross can handle all my doubts. Indeed, the cross can carry all of the world’s doubts. The greatest man in history didn’t earn the title through wealth. He had none. He didn’t earn the title by power. He had none. He didn’t earn the title by prestige: He had none. Jesus called John the Baptist the greatest for one reason: He prepared the way for Jesus.