Compassion for a Doubter

Believers often have expectations of success in service for God. However, the Bible clearly teaches that our service to Christ is met with opposition and persecution. John the Baptist exemplifies this. His expectations of what the kingdom of God should look like--with the Messiah suddenly coming in to establish David's throne in Jerusalem, throwing out the Gentile domination and making all things glorious again--was not happening. Although he heard reports of healings as Jesus taught in the cities of Galilee, the kingdom was not being established. He was in prison with no hope of release, even though he was the prophesied forerunner of Messiah. He wanted confirmation and vindication. This message addresses our Lord's compassionate response to him.