Humble Hero

A Terrible Disappointment

All this seemed a mystery. The whisperings of demons tortured John’s spirit, and the shadow of a terrible fear crept over him. Could it be that the long-hoped-for Deliverer had not yet appeared? John had been bitterly disappointed in the result of his mission. He had expected that the message from God would have the same effect as when the law was read in the days of Josiah and of Ezra (2 Chronicles 34; Nehemiah 8), that a deep work of repentance would follow. Had his whole life been sacrificed in vain? Had his work for his own disciples been fruitless? Had he been unfaithful in his mission, so that he was now cut off from labor? If the promised Deliverer had appeared and John had been found true to his calling, would not Jesus now overthrow the oppressor’s power and set free the one who had announced His arrival? HH 94.1

But the Baptist did not surrender his faith in Christ. The Voice from heaven, the descending dove, the spotless purity of Jesus, the power of the Holy Spirit that had rested on John as he came into the Savior’s presence, the testimony of the Scriptures—all testified that Jesus was the Promised One. HH 94.2

John determined to send a message to Jesus. He entrusted it to two of his disciples, hoping that an interview with the Savior would confirm their faith. And he longed for some word from Christ spoken directly for himself. HH 94.3

The two disciples came to Jesus with their message: “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?” The question was keenly bitter and disappointing to Jesus’ human nature. If John, the faithful forerunner, failed to understand Christ’s mission, what could He expect from the self-seeking multitude? HH 94.4

The Savior did not answer the disciples’ question immediately. As they stood puzzled by His silence, the sick and afflicted were coming to be healed. The blind, the diseased, were eagerly pressing into the presence of Jesus. The voice of the mighty Healer penetrated the deaf ear. A word, a touch of His hand, opened the blind eyes. Jesus rebuked disease and banished fever. His voice reached the dying, and they arose in health and vigor. While He healed their diseases, the poor peasants and laborers who were shunned by the rabbis as unclean gathered close around Him, and He spoke to them the words of eternal life. HH 94.5