John had indistinct ideas of the kingdom Christ came to establish, as also had the disciples of Christ. They thought Christ would establish a temporal kingdom, and reign upon the throne of David in Jerusalem. He became impatient because Christ did not immediately make himself known, assume kingly authority, and subdue the Romans. He hoped that if Christ established his kingdom, he would be brought out of prison. He decided that if Jesus was really the Son of God, and could do all things, he would exercise his power and set him at liberty. {2SP 71.1}

Johannes havde uklare ideer om oprettelsen af Kristi rige, ligesom Kristi disciple havde. De mente at Kristus ville oprette et timeligt rige, og regere på Davids trone i Jerusalem. Han blev utålmodig fordi Kristus ikke straks gjorde sig selv kendt, påtog sig kongelig myndighed, og underlagde sig romerne. Han håbede at hvis Kristus oprettede sit rige, ville han komme ud af fængslet Han besluttede at hvis Kristus var Guds Søn, og kunne gøre alle ting, ville han bruge sin kraft og sætte ham fri.