John Perplexed

Although at the baptism of Christ, John had witnessed the visible descent of the Holy Spirit, and had heard the voice from heaven proclaiming him to be the Son of God, and had himself declared that he was “the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world,” events were shaping so differently from his anticipations that he, in his gloomy prison, was troubled and confused.GSAM 63.1

“Like the Saviour’s disciples, John the Baptist did not understand the nature of Christ’s kingdom. He expected Jesus to take the throne of David; and as time passed, and the Saviour made no claim to kingly authority, John became perplexed and troubled.” ^{16The Desire of Ages, 215.} “Calling unto him two of his disciples, [he] sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?” “In that same hour he [Jesus] cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight. Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard.” ^{17Luke 7:19-22; Matthew 11:4.}GSAM 63.2

It was with difficulty that the Jews or even the disciples could see clearly many truths which the Saviour uttered, because they were so established in the belief that when the Messiah should come he would break off the Roman yoke, which was to them so galling, and immediately restore the kingdom of David, and reign as a temporal king.GSAM 63.3

Jesus began his preaching by saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” ^{18Matthew 4:17.} When his twelve apostles were sent forth, they bore the same message, “The kingdom of heaven is at hand.” ^{19Matthew 10:7.} Still later in his ministry, when the seventy were sent out, it was with the words, “The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.” ^{20Luke 10:9.}GSAM 63.4