Welcome to “Ehrman Errs,” a blog series devoted to using our conversational AI to refute each alleged biblical contradiction that is posed in the article on Bart Ehrman’s website: 50 Contradictions in the Bible: The Biggest, Most Shocking Differences.
Today’s alleged contradiction:
#46 – Did John the Baptist Recognize Jesus’ Identity?
Another example of the contradictions in the Bible emerges when comparing John the Baptist’s understanding of Jesus’ identity in John 1 with his actions in Matthew 11. In John’s Gospel, John the Baptist unequivocally identifies Jesus as “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (1:29) and as the one upon whom the Spirit descended, confirming him as the chosen one of God. This portrayal suggests that John fully recognized Jesus’ divine role and identity from the outset. However, in Matthew’s Gospel, John later sends his disciples to ask Jesus, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” (11:3). This question reflects uncertainty or doubt on John’s part, which contradicts the confident declaration found in John 1.
How Does Ehrman Err?
On the surface, to be a contradiction between John the Baptist’s clear testimony about Jesus in John 1 and his later question from prison in Matthew 11. But when we look carefully at the historical and literary context of these passages, and let Scripture interpret Scripture, the apparent contradiction dissolves.
1. John Did Recognize Jesus’ Identity (John 1:29–34)
In John’s Gospel, the Baptist’s testimony is based on revelation from God:
“I myself did not know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’” (John 1:33, ESV)
John saw this sign and concluded with confidence:
“And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.” (John 1:34, ESV)
This shows that John’s recognition of Jesus as the Messiah was genuine and Spirit-confirmed, not a misunderstanding or guess.
2. John’s Question in Matthew 11 Reflects Confusion, Not Unbelief
Later, John is in prison (Matthew 11:2, cf. Matthew 14:3–4; Mark 6:17–18). He sends disciples to Jesus with the question:
“Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” (Matthew 11:3, ESV)
Was this “doubt”? Not necessarily disbelief — rather, discouragement and confusion about how God’s plan was unfolding. John had preached that the coming Messiah would bring judgment (Matthew 3:11–12):
“His winnowing fork is in his hand … the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”
But that judgment hadn’t happened yet. From prison, suffering injustice, John naturally wondered: “If Jesus is the Messiah, why am I still here, and why is evil unpunished?”
This is not a denial of Jesus but a heartfelt question. Even prophets can experience limited understanding while still maintaining faith (compare Habakkuk 1:2–4; Psalm 13:1–2).
3. Jesus’ Response Confirms John’s Faithfulness (Matthew 11:4–6)
Jesus answers with Scripture, reminding John that prophecy was being fulfilled:
“Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed … and the poor have good news preached to them.” (Matthew 11:4–5, ESV)
These are references to Isaiah 35:5–6 and Isaiah 61:1 — prophecies describing Messiah’s works.
Jesus essentially tells John: “Yes, I am the One — the kingdom begins with mercy and healing before judgment.”
Then Jesus publicly commends John:
“Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist.” (Matthew 11:11, ESV)
That commendation shows Jesus viewed John not as a doubter, but as a faithful servant under trial.
4. How the Gospels Harmonize
There’s no contradiction between John’s confidence and his later question—only a difference in timing and perspective:
| Context | What Happened | John’s State |
|---|---|---|
| John 1 | Public ministry, sees Spirit descending, announces “Lamb of God” | Confident, active, expectant |
| Matthew 11 | Imprisoned by Herod, awaiting vindication, Kingdom not yet visibly triumphant | Perplexed, discouraged, needs confirmation |
Humanly speaking, John’s imprisonment tested his expectations, not his faith.
Faith sometimes needs reassurance, and Jesus graciously provides it — not rebuke, but confirmation.
5. Theological and Spiritual Lessons
John’s experience teaches believers that:
- Faith and questions can coexist—true faith seeks understanding from God.
- God’s plans often unfold differently than our expectations (Isaiah 55:8–9).
- Jesus welcomes honest inquiry and meets it with gracious truth (John 20:27–29).
John remained God’s chosen herald even in his uncertainty. His story is not one of contradiction, but of faith under trial — a reminder that even the strongest believers may experience moments where they long for reassurance.
Key Scriptures
- John 1:29–34 — John’s Spirit-confirmed recognition of Jesus.
- Matthew 11:2–6, 11 — John’s inquiry and Jesus’ confirmation.
- Isaiah 35:5–6; 61:1 — Prophecies Jesus fulfills.
Conclusion
There is no contradiction here, only a realistic portrayal of a faithful prophet facing hardship and confusion.
John the Baptist both recognized Jesus as Messiah and, later, sought reassurance while suffering. Jesus honored John’s ministry and answered his question with Scripture and compassion.
If you wish, I can also explain how early theologians such as Augustine and Chrysostom understood this passage—they, too, saw no contradiction, only human weakness and divine patience. Would you like that next?