Jesus Questions
July 6, 2009
Dear Friends,
Some would have you believe that Jesus asks a question in the Bible, it is because he didn’t know the answer. For example, when Jesus says “Who do men say that I am?” it is because he really wants to know the answer. I would suggest that in every case where you read of Jesus asking a question (with the possible exception of Jesus as a child in the Temple), it is because he wants us to think about it.
We would suggest two brief principles for consideration of the questions of Jesus.
Principle #1 – Answer the question. Many of Jesus’ questions are rhetorical meaning that they don’t require an answer. Even though they don’t appear to need an answer or are obvious, answer them; you will be surprised at what you find.
If you notice the way that Jesus answers questions (especially by his critics), you will that Jesus seldom answers the question at hand but provides a much greater thought than the questioner asked. Likewise, we would suggest that Jesus’ questions are seldom as obvious an answer as they would seem to be. When they are fully explored they reveal to us deeply spiritual ideas that are missed on the casual and quick read.
By way of example, look at this question by Jesus. “And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand?” (Matt. 12:26) We can dismiss this as simply a good rhetorical question pointing out a logical inconsistency. If we take the time to really answer the question, “how will the Kingdom of Satan stand?” we realize that it won’t stand and are left asking the profound question “how was the kingdom of Satan divided?” The answer to that question is truly one of the most profound and important ideas in all of Scripture, yet we miss it if we don’t ask and then answer the initial question.
Principle #2 – Personalize it. The questions of Jesus are to specific people and concerning specific circumstances. At they same time, the reveal universal truths which, if we consider them personally, can reveal insights into our own discipleship. Frankly, these questions can be so penetrating that they are uncomfortable to ask even if it is only in our own mind because they reveal flaws in our character so readily.
Here are a few questions asked to other people that we ought to consider ourselves:
- Why take ye thought for raiment? (Matt. 6:28)
- Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? (Matt. 8:26)
- Who are my brethren? (Matt. 12:48)
- Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? (Matt. 15:3)
- Why stand ye here all the day idle? (Matt. 20:6)
These questions (among many others), if answered truthfully, can shake us to the core but provide us with an excellent springboard for self-improvement. It is much preferable to answer Jesus’ questions now than when we stand before him at the Last Day.
Have a great week,
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