John would not discuss his doubts and anxieties with his companions. He determined to send a message of inquiry to Jesus. This he entrusted to two of his disciples, hoping that an interview with the Saviour would confirm their faith, and bring assurance to their brethren. And he longed for some word from Christ spoken directly for himself. The disciples came to Jesus with their message, "Art Thou He that should come, or do we look for another?"

Johannes ville ikke drøfte sin tvivl og sine bekymringer med sine venner. Han besluttede at sende bud til Jesus og spørge ham selv. Dette hverv betroede han til to af sine disciple i håb om, at en samtale med Frelseren ville bestyrke dem i troen, så de kunne skaffe deres brødre vished. Og han længtes efter et ord fra Kristus, talt direkte til ham selv. Disciplene kom til Jesus med deres budskab: "Er du den, som kommer, eller skal vi vente en anden?"