The disciples of John reported all these things to him. And John,
English Standard Version (ESV)
What's truly striking here isn't just that John's disciples reported Jesus' deeds to him, but that they were there to witness them and then went to John to tell him. This wasn't a one-off event; it suggests John's disciples were actively observing Jesus' ministry, even while their own leader was imprisoned, and that they maintained a connection to both figures.
The disciples of John reported all these things to him. And John,
English Standard Version (ESV)
John the Baptist, imprisoned and hearing about Jesus' ministry, sends his disciples to ask Jesus directly if he is the promised Messiah. This inquiry comes immediately after Jesus has performed several powerful miracles, including raising a young man from the dead in the town of Nain, demonstrating his authority and compassion.
Even John the Baptist, a man chosen by God and filled with the Holy Spirit, wrestled with doubt. How can we navigate our own moments of questioning?
It might surprise us that John, who had directly pointed to Jesus as the Lamb of God and baptized Him, would send his disciples to ask, 'Are you the one who is to come, or should we wait for another?' (Luke 7:19). John was in prison, likely facing immense pressure and perhaps the temptation to despair. His question wasn't necessarily about Jesus' identity – he likely knew who Jesus was. Instead, it seems to stem from a profound need to confirm Jesus' messianic role for his disciples, who were still wavering. John's situation reminds us that even those closest to God can experience moments of deep uncertainty, especially in suffering. His actions highlight the importance of seeking reassurance and grounding faith, not just for ourselves but for those we influence.
Jesus didn't rebuke John for his doubt. Instead, He responded with profound compassion and undeniable evidence. What can we learn from His approach?
Jesus' reply to John's messengers is pure genius and immense grace. Instead of a simple 'yes,' He directs them back to the very works that testify to His identity: 'Go and tell John what you have seen: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the gospel preached to them' (Luke 7:22). This isn't just a list of miracles; it's a direct fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy (Isaiah 35:5-6, 61:1). Jesus validates John's ministry by pointing to the undeniable evidence of God's kingdom breaking in. He meets doubt not with condemnation, but with irrefutable proof and a gentle reminder that His mission is precisely what the prophets foretold. He also adds, 'And blessed is the one who is not offended by me' (Luke 7:23), subtly preparing John and his disciples for the often unexpected and non-traditional way the Messiah would operate – not with political power, but with humble service and suffering.
Ask a follow-up
John's situation holds a powerful lesson for all who follow Jesus. How can we ensure our focus remains on Christ, not ourselves?
Calvin rightly points out that John, the faithful friend of the bridegroom, was fulfilling his role by directing his disciples to Jesus, the true Bridegroom. Despite his own questioning, John's ultimate purpose was to point people to Christ. He wasn't building his own kingdom; he was preparing the way for the King. This is the heart of true discipleship. We are called to direct others to Jesus, not to ourselves or our own ministries. Even when we are unsure or struggling, our role is to faithfully present the evidence of who Jesus is and what He has done. We should not seek to bind disciples to ourselves but to lead them to Christ, the only Teacher who satisfies all needs and fulfills all promises. John's example reminds us that even in confinement and uncertainty, faithfulness means continuing to point others to the Light of the world.
Understand the original words
mathētēs · Greek Noun
A student or follower of a teacher; one who adheres to the teachings and lifestyle of a master. In the New Testament, it specifically refers to those who follow Jesus or John the Baptist.
John the Baptist's imprisonment created a physical separation, leading his disciples to witness Jesus' ministry and then report back. This event highlights the delicate situation of leadership transition and the need for Jesus' own disciples (and even John's) to grasp his true identity beyond earthly expectations.
c. AD 28
John the Baptist imprisoned
John the Baptist is imprisoned by Herod Antipas for denouncing his unlawful marriage. This confinement significantly isolates John and his followers.
c. AD 28— this verse
Jesus performs numerous miracles
Jesus begins a highly visible ministry, performing many healings and powerful deeds, drawing large crowds and the attention of various groups, including John's disciples.
c. AD 28
John's disciples report to him
Disciples of John, who have witnessed Jesus' ministry, travel from Jesus' location back to report these events to John in prison.
c. AD 28
John sends disciples to Jesus
John, hearing of Jesus' works, sends two of his disciples to ask Jesus directly if he is the promised Messiah.
c. AD 28
Jesus sends message to John
Jesus answers John's disciples by pointing to the miracles they have witnessed, fulfilling prophecies, and commending those who are not offended by him.
This passage parallels John the Baptist's question to Jesus from prison, showing the same moment of doubt and seeking confirmation from two different Gospel accounts.
Isaiah 35:5Jesus quotes this prophecy in His response to John's disciples, demonstrating that His miracles of healing and restoring sight and hearing are direct fulfillments of Old Testament messianic signs.
Isaiah 61:1This prophecy, also quoted by Jesus, highlights that the message of good news to the poor is a key characteristic of the Messiah, showing the spiritual dimension of Jesus' ministry beyond just physical healing.
John 3:29This passage speaks to John the Baptist's role as the 'friend of the bridegroom' who rejoices in the bridegroom's voice, providing context for his desire to direct his own disciples to Jesus, the true Messiah.
1 Peter 2:8This verse describes Jesus as a 'stone of stumbling and rock of offense,' which directly relates to Jesus' warning in Luke 7:23 ('Blessed is the one who is not offended by me') and explains the potential for doubt in the face of His seemingly unconventional ministry.
calvinLuke 7:18-23: "And the disciples of John shewed him of all these things."
- And it happened that when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, [4] he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities. 2. Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, 3. And said to him, Art thou he who was to come, or do we look for another? 4. And Jesus answering said to them, Go and relate to John those things which you hear and see. 5. The blin…
clarkeLuke 7:18: "And the disciples of John shewed him of all these things."
The disciples of John showed him, etc. - It is very likely that John's disciples attended the ministry of our Lord at particular times; and this, we may suppose, was a common case among the disciples of different Jewish teachers. Though bigotry existed in its most formidable shape between the Jews and Samaritans, yet we do not find that it had any place between Jews and Jews, though they were of different sects, and attached…
What's truly striking here isn't just that John's disciples reported Jesus' deeds to him, but that they were there to witness them and then went to John to tell him. This wasn't a one-off event; it suggests John's disciples were actively observing Jesus' ministry, even while their own leader was imprisoned, and that they maintained a connection to both figures.
John the Baptist, imprisoned and hearing about Jesus' ministry, sends his disciples to ask Jesus directly if he is the promised Messiah. This inquiry comes immediately after Jesus has performed several powerful miracles, including raising a young man from the dead in the town of Nain, demonstrating his authority and compassion.
John the Baptist, imprisoned and hearing about Jesus' ministry, sends his disciples to ask Jesus directly if he is the promised Messiah. This inquiry comes immediately after Jesus has performed several powerful miracles, including raising a young man from the dead in the town of Nain, demonstrating his authority and compassion.
"The disciples of John reported all these things to him. And John," — What's truly striking here isn't just that John's disciples reported Jesus' deeds to him, but that they were there to witness them and then went to John to tell him. This wasn't a one-off event;…
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Last reviewed October 2026