It is not clear exactly what answer Jesus gave to the disciples of John the Baptist, as the Bible does not provide a specific account of this conversation. However, based on the context of the passages in which this conversation is mentioned, we can make some educated guesses about what Jesus may have said.
In Matthew 11:2-6, we read that the disciples of John the Baptist came to Jesus and asked him, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” Jesus replied by telling them to go back and report to John what they had seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. He also told them that blessed is the one who is not offended by him.
In Luke 7:18-23, we read a similar account of the disciples of John the Baptist coming to Jesus and asking him if he is the one who is to come. In this passage, Jesus also tells them to go back and report to John what they have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news preached to them. He also says that blessed is he who is not offended by him.
Based on these passages, it seems that Jesus’ answer to the disciples of John the Baptist was to point to the evidence of his ministry and the fulfillment of prophecy. He may have also encouraged them to not be offended by him, either because he was not living up to their expectations or because his ministry was causing controversy.
Ultimately, it is difficult to say with certainty what Jesus said to the disciples of John the Baptist, but these passages offer some insight into the possible content of their conversation.
Reference: Jesus Answers John’s Questions (Matthew 11) Sunday School Lesson
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