Is it wrong to doubt God?
Doubt is something every believer faces, yet many are ashamed to admit it. In Matthew 11:1–19, we encounter John the Baptist, the great prophet who prepared the way for Christ, asking a painful question: “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?”
In this episode of the Kingdom Come Bible Study, Pastor Tim Hatch explains why even the strongest in faith experience seasons of doubt—and how Jesus responds with compassion, Scripture, and assurance.
Grab your Kingdom Come journal and join us for a deep dive into Christ’s radical call to live like the Father. Available in any Waters Church book store or online at https://timhatchlive.com/
Key Themes from Matthew 11:1–19
- The Reality of Doubt: Even John the Baptist wrestled with disappointment and unmet expectations.
- Five Roots of Doubt: Unmet expectations, disappointment, comparison, cultural pressure, and disconnection from Christ.
- Christ’s Answer to Doubt: Jesus points to fulfilled Scripture (Isaiah 35 & 61), demonstrating that God’s promises never fail.
- Our Privileges in Christ: Believers today have access to forgiveness, adoption, the Spirit, and intimacy with God—even greater blessings than John the Baptist.
- Perseverance in the Kingdom: Following Christ requires faithfulness, even in the face of cultural rejection and misunderstanding.
Insights for Believers Today
- Doubt is not a sin; it’s a doorway back to Jesus.
- When discouraged, look to God’s Word and His promises fulfilled.
- Stay connected to Christ and His Church to strengthen your faith.
- Remember your identity and privileges as a child of God.
Theological Insights from Matthew 11:1–19
- Christ Fulfills Messianic Prophecy: Jesus points John to Isaiah 35 and 61, affirming that He is the promised Messiah through works of healing, liberation, and restoration.
- The Nature of Faith: True faith endures questions. Doubt is not unbelief—it is faith seeking understanding (cf. Augustine, Anselm).
- The Paradox of Privilege: Though John is called the greatest prophet, Jesus teaches that those in the Kingdom—even the least—enjoy greater privileges because of Christ’s death, resurrection, and the indwelling Spirit.
- The Offense of the Gospel: Jesus warns, “Blessed is the one who is not offended by me.” The gospel confronts human pride, unmet expectations, and cultural norms. Yet it is precisely this “offense” that becomes the power of salvation.
- The Kingdom’s Advancement: “The kingdom of heaven suffers violence” underscores that the Kingdom advances amidst opposition, requiring perseverance from God’s people.
Application for Believers Today
- Bring Your Doubts to Jesus: Just as John sent his questions to Christ, so should we. Prayer and Scripture are where answers are found.
- Anchor in Fulfilled Prophecy: God’s faithfulness in the past proves His reliability in the present.
- Remember Your Privileges: Believers today are adopted into God’s family, indwelt by His Spirit, and given direct access to the Father—privileges even John the Baptist did not experience in his lifetime.
- Persevere in a Hostile Culture: Like John and Jesus, we may be dismissed or rejected, but God’s Kingdom prevails.
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🔍 Matthew’s Background & Purpose
- Matthew (Levi) was a tax collector, despised by fellow Jews but chosen by Jesus.
- His name means “Gift of God” or “Gift of Jehovah.”
- He references the Old Testament over 100 times, writing primarily to a Jewish audience to prove Jesus as the Messiah.
- He is one of twelve people in history who walked with God in the flesh, observing His miracles and teachings firsthand.
📝 Follow Along with the Kingdom Come Journal!
Want to go deeper in your study? The Kingdom Come Journal is designed to help you reflect, apply, and grow in your faith!
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💬 Discussion Questions
1️⃣ What stood out to you in today’s study?
2️⃣ How does this passage encourage or challenge you?
3️⃣ What’s one takeaway you can apply to your life this week?
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➡️ Next Up: Part 21 • Matthew 11:20-30 |Finding Rest for Your Soul — don’t miss it!
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📚 Explore More from Tim Hatch Live
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