Faith and Doubt: Bringing Your Questions to Jesus

Devotional

Day 1: Dungeon Questions, Kingdom Answers

John’s disciples described miracles: blind seeing, dead rising. Yet John sat in Herod’s dungeon, chains chafing his wrists. He sent two followers to Jesus: “Are you the One, or do we wait for another?” Even prophets wrestle when God’s plan feels distant. [34:54]

Jesus didn’t rebuke John’s doubt. He healed the sick, opened blind eyes, and told the messengers: “Report what you’ve seen.” Christ answered doubt by demonstrating His nature. He meets our questions with evidence of His faithfulness.

You’ve prayed for breakthroughs that haven’t come. The wait breeds doubt. Yet Jesus still moves—just not always how you expect. What miracle around you have you overlooked while fixated on your prison?

“And the disciples of John shewed him of all these things. And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another? When the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another? And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight. Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.”
(Luke 7:18–22, KJV)

Prayer: Ask Jesus to show you His works in your life today—even the small ones.
Challenge: Write down one unanswered prayer and three ways God has already moved for you.

Day 2: Fingers in the Wounds, Faith in the Risen

Thomas missed Jesus’ first resurrection appearance. He demanded physical proof: “Unless I thrust my hand into His side, I won’t believe.” Eight days later, Jesus stood before him, scars exposed. “Reach here,” He said. Thomas fell, crying, “My Lord and my God!” [42:38]

Jesus honored Thomas’ raw honesty. Doubt voiced becomes doubt addressed. The Savior’s wounds answered the disciple’s skepticism, transforming him from doubter to confessor.

How often do you hide your uncertainties, fearing judgment? Jesus invites you to bring your doubts to Him—He’s unafraid of your questions. When did hiding your struggles keep you from encountering Christ’s truth?

“Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.”
(John 20:27–29, KJV)

Prayer: Confess one doubt aloud to Jesus today. Ask Him to meet you in it.
Challenge: Share a testimony of God’s faithfulness with someone within the next 24 hours.

Day 3: Belief Tangled with Unbelief

A desperate father cried, “If you can do anything, help us!” Jesus replied, “All things are possible to him who believes.” The man wept, “I believe—help my unbelief!” Christ didn’t scold him. He cast out the demon, answering both the man’s faith and his doubt. [47:42]

Jesus honors even mixed faith. The father’s raw admission became the doorway for miracle. God works through our “yes” even when it’s whispered through tears.

Where are you saying “I believe” while secretly thinking “but…”? Jesus meets you in that tension. What situation needs you to voice both your trust and your struggle today?

“And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.”
(Mark 9:24, KJV)

Prayer: Pray, “Jesus, I choose to believe You’re good—even where I don’t understand.”
Challenge: Text a friend: “Pray for me to trust Jesus in [specific situation].”

Day 4: Blind Eyes Opened, Doubts Silenced

Jesus didn’t answer John’s question with theology. He healed. The blind saw, the lame walked—tangible proof of Isaiah’s prophecies. “Go tell John what you’ve seen,” He said. Miracles weren’t just for the afflicted; they were John’s lifeline in the dungeon. [35:52]

God often answers our “why?” with “watch.” His works preach louder than explanations. Every healing, provision, or rescued life declares His character.

What “evidence” of God’s goodness have you dismissed because it didn’t match your expectations? How might He be speaking through the miracles around you?

“In that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight. Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.”
(Luke 7:21–22, KJV)

Prayer: Thank Jesus for three specific works He’s done in your life this year.
Challenge: List five “small” miracles you’ve witnessed this week—sunrises, meals, friendships count.

Day 5: Nowhere Else to Go

Crowds left Jesus after hard teachings. He asked the Twelve, “Will you also go away?” Peter replied, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” Even when confused, Peter clung to Christ’s proven faithfulness. [01:28:02]

Doubt’s antidote isn’t certainty—it’s commitment. Peter chose loyalty over understanding, anchoring himself to the One who’d already proven trustworthy.

When life’s storms make you want to walk away, what past faithfulness of Jesus anchors you? How can His history with you steady today’s doubts?

“Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.”
(John 6:68–69, KJV)

Prayer: Say aloud: “Jesus, even when I don’t understand, I choose You.”
Challenge: Write “To whom else would I go?” on a sticky note. Place it where you’ll see it daily.

Sermon Summary

Luke 7 focuses on John the Baptist sitting in prison and wrestling with an unexpected season. The narrative recounts how John’s disciples report Jesus’ healings and even a resurrection, yet John sends a question through his followers: Are you the one we expected or should we wait for another? Jesus replies by pointing to concrete signs: the blind see, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. Those works connect directly to Isaiah 61 and validate the arrival of the kingdom.

The account highlights an odd but honest combination: faith and doubt can live together. Examples from Scripture show that doubt touches even the faithful, from Moses and Abraham to Thomas and Jeremiah. The text profiles Thomas as brave yet cautious and shows John as a faithful prophet whose circumstances do not match his expectations. Personal tragedy, popular misconceptions about how God should act, and unmet expectations all surface as common sources of doubt.

Jesus models a humble response to doubt. Rather than rebuke, the response centers on evidence and invitation. He demonstrates kingdom power through healing and then instructs John’s envoys to report what they saw and heard. The passage insists that doubt need not become final. The path forward asks for honesty, persistence, and the discipline to bring questions before God. Prayer, the Scriptures, and remembered testimonies of God’s faithfulness serve as anchors when sight and feeling falter.

The conclusion presses practical faith. No promise guarantees material ease, perfect health, or trouble-free living, yet the text affirms God’s abiding presence and purpose. The call urges believers to bring doubts to God, to refuse offense that drives a wedge from Christ, and to choose belief even when emotions and circumstances point elsewhere. The narrative moves from theological clarity to pastoral warmth, inviting a renewed dependence on Jesus as the only sure hope in seasons of both light and darkness.

Key Takeaways

1. Faith and doubt can coexist Doubt does not cancel genuine trust. The passage shows that even those closest to God can wrestle with questions when life contradicts expectation. Honest uncertainty can become the soil of deeper faith if it prompts seeking rather than withdrawal. Keeping faith active while wrestling with doubt invites growth and dependency on God. [36:49]
2. Bring doubts straight to Jesus The healthiest response to uncertainty is not silence but approach. Scripture models bringing fears and questions to the one who can answer and heal. Presenting doubts at the throne opens space for clarity, comfort, and continued trust. God welcomes honest hearts that seek rather than deny their struggle. [46:35]
3. Trials do not negate faith Hard seasons do not signify divine abandonment or failed devotion. John’s imprisonment and contemporary tragedies show that faith often persists alongside suffering. Endurance and testimony prove faith’s reality even when circumstances oppose it. Trials can refine reliance on God rather than disprove his presence. [55:26]
4. Truth beats popular expectations Cultural images of God and Messiah can mislead and erode faith when reality differs. Jesus did not fit popular Messiah narratives, and that mismatch exposed communal doubt. Anchoring belief in Scripture and the character of God prevents being swayed by prevailing opinions. True stability comes from God’s revealed purposes, not public imagination. [63:11]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[31:59] - Worship and Thanksgiving
[32:45] - First Steps Reminder
[33:21] - Scripture Focus Luke 7
[34:01] - Reading Luke 7 Verse 18
[34:19] - Reports of Miracles
[35:15] - John Sends Disciples to Jesus
[36:10] - Jesus Lists Confirming Signs
[36:49] - Theme: Doubt and Faith
[42:21] - Thomas and the Need to See
[48:31] - John the Baptist in Prison
[53:16] - John Asks Are You the One
[55:26] - Personal Tragedy and Doubt
[63:11] - Popular Expectations Challenged
[71:24] - Exhortation to Trust Jesus
[76:45] - Invitation to Respond
[89:05] - Closing and Announcements

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading
Luke 7:18-23 (ESV)
18 The disciples of John reported all these things to him. And John, 19 calling two of his disciples to him, sent them to the Lord, saying, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” 20 And when the men had come to him, they said, “John the Baptist has sent us to you, saying, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?’” 21 In that hour he healed many people of diseases and plagues and evil spirits, and on many who were blind he bestowed sight. 22 And he answered them, “Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the poor have good news preached to them. 23 And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.”

Isaiah 61:1-2 (ESV)
1 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; 2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor…

Mark 9:23-24 (ESV)
23 And Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” 24 Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!”

Observation Questions

What specific signs did Jesus point to as evidence of His identity when John’s disciples asked if He was the Messiah?
How did John the Baptist respond to his doubts, even while imprisoned?
In the sermon, how did Jesus address John’s doubt without rebuking him? [36:49]
What Old Testament prophecy did Jesus’ actions fulfill, according to the passage in Luke 7?

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Jesus chose to answer John’s question by pointing to physical healings and miracles rather than a direct “yes” or “no”?
What does it mean that John still sent his disciples to Jesus despite his doubts? How does this reflect the relationship between faith and uncertainty?
The sermon mentions that trials “do not negate faith” but can refine reliance on God. How does John’s imprisonment illustrate this? [55:26]
Why might unmet expectations (like the Jewish people’s view of the Messiah) lead to doubt, and how does Jesus’ ministry challenge those expectations?

Application Questions

When have you experienced a situation where your circumstances didn’t match your expectations of God? How did you respond, and what would it look like to bring those doubts to Jesus now?
The father in Mark 9 prayed, “I believe; help my unbelief!” What area of your life currently needs this kind of honest prayer?
The sermon emphasizes anchoring belief in Scripture over cultural ideas about God. What’s one popular belief about God that conflicts with Scripture, and how can you combat it? [01:03:11]
John’s story shows faith persisting even in suffering. What practical step could you take this week to remind yourself of God’s faithfulness during a hard season (e.g., journaling, prayer, sharing testimonies)?
How can you support someone in your life who is wrestling with doubt without minimizing their struggle?
The sermon warns against letting personal tragedy become a “wedge” between us and Jesus. What habit or discipline could help you turn toward God instead of away when pain arises? [01:00:45]
Jesus’ miracles fulfilled Isaiah 61’s promises. What specific promises in Scripture could you cling to when doubt creeps in?

Sermon Clips

41s

#GodNeverForsakes

“Doubt can set in. There's no promise. Hear me. There's no promise you're gonna be healthy while you're living for God. There's no promise that when you're prayed for, you're gonna get well. There's no promise that you're gonna get your healing. There's no promise you're gonna be rich. There's no promise you're gonna be successful but here's what god said, I'll never leave you and I'll never forsake you. I'll anoint your head with oil. Your cup will always run over. I will be your shepherd. I'll take you to the valley of the shadow of death. You will fear no evil. I will take care of you.”

41s

#FaithIsAChoice

“I've always associated my faith with what I was going through or what I was feeling. There would be times when everything was great, everything was wonderful in my life, plenty of money, things were good. Then I would say, man, I have such great faith. But what happens when the money runs out and there's struggles with your children, struggles on the job where you lose a job or things go wrong at church or whatever happens, you've got to learn that your faith isn't based on how you feel, and it isn't based on your emotions. It's a choice.”

45s

#MessiahWasHumble

“John the Baptist was facing popular influence. John was a victim of of a current misconception about the Messiah. The Jewish community had created an image of the Messiah that when the Messiah comes, he'll be on a white stallion. When Messiah comes, he'll have a sword raised. When Messiah comes, he's gonna annihilate all of the enemies that Israel has. When Messiah comes, he will destroy the Romans. He will free us from Roman occupation. The Abrahamic covenant will be reestablished. The wicked will be cleansed out of Israel when Messiah comes. And when Jesus came, he came riding upon the foal of a donkey.”

38s

#ChooseToBelieve

“And when I look back and I see everything that he's done in my life, sometimes you have to just choose to believe what you see. You have to choose to believe in spite of what you feel and even in spite of what you can see. I know things are mysterious. Many things are unanswerable, but there there is no other hope outside of Jesus Christ. I give to you, Jesus, this morning. I say to you, bring your doubts, bring your faith, bring your questions. Come. Come to him that says, come unto me all ye that are weary and heavy laden. I've chosen to believe because I must believe.”

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