According to Matthew 11:2, John the Baptist was in prison. Some think that John was discouraged and doubting, when he sent two disciples to ask Jesus if He was the Messiah, or if they should keep looking for another. It is very unlikely that John was doubting the very thing for which he had dedicated his life. He had the witness from God's Spirit while he was still in the womb (Luke 1:39-44). God's Spirit bore witness again, at Christ's baptism (John 1:19-34 cp. Matthew 3:13-17). John 3:22-36 makes it crystal-clear that John was certain that Jesus was and is the Christ. So, what was John doing, sending disciples over to question Jesus?

John 3:30 reveals the agenda that John the Baptist had in his ministry: "He must increase, but I must decrease." His purpose in life was to point people to Christ and not draw attention to himself (John 1:29-30; 10:41-42). John was not here to create his own following. He came to prepare people to follow Christ (Isaiah 40:3-5; Mark 1:1-8). From the beginning, John was sending disciples to follow Jesus. One of them was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother (John 1:35-40). Therefore, it should be understood that when John was in prison, he was not doubting, but directing. He probably knew that his earthly ministry was ending. His disciples would need to know what to do after his decease. It was time to direct his disciples to move on and follow Jesus. They needed to see, first-hand, the power and truth of who Jesus was and is.

So, when they met Jesus, how did the Christ answer them? Did He give a long discussion of the prophets? No, He answered with action and power (Luke 7:20-23 cp. I Corinthians 4:19-20). Our relationship with Christ involves truth, life, power, and action! See John 3:18-21; 6:63; 7:16-18; 8:12, 30-36; 10:27-28; 14:6, 23; 15:1-8; II Corinthians 5:17-21; I Thessalonians 1:5-10; James 2:14-26.

Knowing Christ is not a mere theological issue. It is not a mere debate about history. Following Christ is not contingent on social trends or politically-correct ethics. Everyone has a Christ-shaped hole in their heart. Only Christ can fill that hole. There is a need within every natural man to find satisfaction and meaning to life: love, joy, peace, etc. (Galatians 5:22-23). Christ promises and gives that satisfaction to life. See John 4:13-14; 6:35; 7:37-39; 11:25-26.

The Word of God will lead us to the Son of God. See Luke 24:44-48; John 5:38; I John 5:10-11.

The Son of God will give us life, forgiveness, and freedom from the power of sin, Satan, & the world. See Ephesians 1:7; John 8:30-36; 14:6; Acts 1:8; Philippians 4:13; Colossians 2:1-15; I John 5:4-5.

You need not look anywhere else! See John 1:1-17; 3:16; 6:66-69; 10:1-18; Acts 4:12; I John 5:12.