John the Baptist was declaring in this verse that Jesus is the Lamb of God. He was telling all who would listen to him. He was not ashamed of knowing who Jesus was and proclaiming it. He had no doubt at all who Jesus was. No one could convince him otherwise. Later; however, we see a difference in John.
"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?" (Luke 7:19).
Why was John saying in one verse, "Behold the Lamb of God" and in another verse he sent others to ask Jesus if He was truly the One? What could make him doubt something so important after being so sure about it before?
When he was making the proclamation, "Behold the Lamb of God", he was actually seeing Jesus. He actually was talking with Him. John's life at that time was good. He was baptizing people and telling them about Jesus. However, being bold and standing for the truth sent him to prison. It was here that he began to doubt if Jesus was really the one he had been preaching about all this time. He knew he could soon die, and he wanted to die knowing for sure he had been serving the right one. He had to know for sure. He was in a dark time in his life. He felt alone and forsaken. He needed assurance that Jesus was truly the Lamb of God. So, he sent people to ask Jesus if He was really the One. Jesus didn't say, "Yes, I am." or "No, I am not", or any other answer. He simply said:
" 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 7:22).
In other words, Jesus was simply saying, "Tell John what you are seeing me do, then let John make up his own mind and answer his own question."
John knew who Jesus was, he was just discouraged and needed reassurance. He needed reminding of Jesus' power and miracles. He is no different from us today.
As we read this, we might think that John was wrong to question who Jesus was, but in some ways, we do the same today. When things are going good in our lives, we say, "Praise the Lord, Hallelujah, Glory to God, God is good!" Then we find ourselves in a dark place in our lives and those good times seem so far away and we just need to be reminded of His goodness, mercy and miracles.
"Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake." (John 14:11).
Jesus was telling us to believe that He is who He says He is, but if we have problems doing that, at least believe in Him because of what we see Him do in our lives. We all get discouraged sometimes and need to be reminded of His goodness towards us.
What has Jesus done for you? Has he saved you? Has he forgiven your sins? Has He healed your body and mind? Has He set you free? What has He done? Remind yourself. If you are at the place John was in where you ask if He is really the one, then remind yourself of what He has done. Settle in your heart and mind today that Jesus IS.
"But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." (Hebrews 11:6).
This tells us that we must believe that He IS, and believe that He is a rewarder. Do you believe that He is? Do you know that He is the Lamb of God? Do you have that assurance in your heart today? You can know. You can be at peace with the knowledge that Jesus is Lord and He is your Lord. Don't doubt another day.
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