Luke 7:20
When the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another? When the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?
John was in prison in Herod Antipas's fortress for faithfully rebuking evil in the ruling power by denouncing Herod's unlawful marriage to Herodias. After a life of active work in the open air, confinement left him discouraged and perplexed, troubled by doubts in a severe test of faith. Through his disciples he sent to ask Jesus whether He was the coming promised Messiah or whether they should look for another.
The question grew from impatience and from expecting the Messiah to take David's throne and establish a political and earthly kingdom. He was looked for to overthrow oppressors, defeat the Romans, and bring decisive judgment, and to proclaim Himself publicly as Saviour of the world with kingly authority. He was also expected to free John from prison, and because Jesus only taught and healed without doing these things, John was left perplexed.
Jesus did not release John from persecution, but answered by pointing the messengers to what they saw and heard of His works. His miracles of healing and deliverance were the evidence, for the deaf hear, the blind see, the sick are healed, and demoniacs are delivered. These works of power were unmistakable evidence of His Messiahship and divinity. His reply gently corrected John's impatience and misunderstanding of His mission, which John accepted with submission and faith. In difficulty faith is thus strengthened by remembering the evidence of Christ's power and looking to Him rather than yielding to unbelief.