"Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?" (Matthew 11:3).
When he was incarcerated, John the Baptist, through his disciples, inquired of Jesus. It has been the subject of several discussions. Does he have doubts about Jesus?
Saint Francis de Sales, the Doctor of Divine Love, provides a thorough and pastoral explanation of Matthew 11:3. His view, which is mainly found in his "Sermons on St. John the Baptist" and spiritual writings, emphasizes John's perfect humility and his last act of spiritual fatherhood rather than his doubts. What does the question mean?
1. John's Question Was Not Born of Personal Doubt
Francis of Sales adamantly maintains that John himself had no doubt, in contrast to certain interpreters who think that John was going through a period of uncertainty. The Forerunner, who proclaimed Jesus the "Lamb of God" and who leaped in the womb at seeing Jesus, was unable to reject Jesus. He was assured of his beliefs.
2. The Question Was for the Sake of His Disciples
Francis de Sales explains that John asked this question as a loving spiritual father for the benefit of his disciples, who were still attached to him and perhaps discouraged by his imprisonment and Jesus' different style of ministry.
John wanted to wean his disciples from their dependence on himself and direct them fully to Jesus. By sending them to Christ with this question, he forces them to go to Jesus, hear His words, and witness His works firsthand.
***************************************
Hear His words and witness His works firsthand.
***************************************
He knew that hearing the answer directly from Jesus—who would point to His miracles (the blind see, the lame walk)—would provide a far stronger foundation for their faith than any further testimony from him in prison.
3. An Act of Profound Humility and Self-Effacement
For Francis, this is the culminating act of John's mission: to decrease so that Christ may increase (John 3:30).
***************************************
"Do not rely on my testimony anymore. Go see for yourself, ask Him, and obey Him."
***************************************
The "Saint of Gentleness" perceived the ultimate humility in John's inquiry. John cared more for his followers' spiritual well-being than his comfort or approval, even while he was imprisoned. He leads them to the Source of truth by using his seeming "uncertainty" as a pretext. In essence, John was saying, "Do not rely on my testimony anymore," in his last and largest act of pointing away from himself. Go see for yourself, ask Him, and obey Him.
4. A Model for All Believers and Spiritual Directors
The renowned spiritual leader Francis de Sales frequently utilized this verse as a teaching tool:
Any spiritual guide's objective is to steer the soul toward a direct, intimate contact with Jesus, not to establish a lifetime of reliance on the guide. Sometimes, to get a closer connection with God, the soul must let go of even virtuous and pure attachments, such as their reverence for John.
Conclusion
According to St. Francis de Sales, Matthew 11:3 is about self-emptying love and divine education rather than uncertainty. John the Baptist performs a last, holy "ruse" in perfect accordance with God's purpose to win his disciples over to Christ. It is the deed of a "friend of the Bridegroom" (John 3:29) who takes great pleasure in guiding the bride (Christians' souls) straight to the Bridegroom.
As a result, in Francis's gentle and perceptive reading, the query "Are you the one...?" becomes the Forerunner's final and most important clue, an act of humility that completes his mission. (*)