Why Do You Ask?

When being questioned or asked a question, a variety of feelings could be produced. We could feel angry or attacked and become defensive. We could feel dumb for not knowing the answer. Perhaps we could feel challenged and moved to deeper thinking. We might feel guilty. Or we could feel honored that someone was requesting our input.

There can also be variation in the reasons for asking questions. Among them could be: to find out how to do something, to get the input of others, find boundaries, because we're being nosey, to receive, or to even show genuine concern for others.

Sometimes questions are used to get information and sometimes they are used simply to see where someone stands. However, even when questions are used with the aim of gaining more knowledge, those questions themselves -- by the manner in which they are worded or asked -- can reveal the insight of the questioner. One might even hear, "That is a very good question."

When Jesus was at the age of twelve, His family went to Jerusalem as was done every year at the Feast of the Passover. ( Luke 2:41-42) However, when it was time to return, Jesus was left behind. Realizing He was not among their relatives and acquaintances, His parents returned to Jerusalem to find Him. ( Luke 2:43-45)

We then read. . .
"(46) After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, LISTENING to them AND ASKING them QUESTIONS. (47) And ALL WHO HEARD HIM WERE AMAZED AT HIS UNDERSTANDING AND HIS ANSWERS." ( Luke 2:46-47 ESV)

This was about eighteen years before Jesus began His public ministry. ( Luke 3:23) Now, it has been noted that the general teaching method of that day was for the rabbis to sit and respond to the questions brought to them. However, we see it going both ways between these teachers and Jesus. This was before any contention arose between Him and the teachers of that day. These teachers were genuinely impressed with the caliber of Jesus' questions, as well as His understanding and answers.

As Jesus' ministry began and progressed, He did a lot of questioning of the leaders, individuals, and the Twelve. It was not that Jesus needed to know anything He did not already know (i.e. Mark 9:33-34; Luke 9:46-47), but for those questioned to take A CLOSER LOOK AT THEMSELVES and their thinking and logically see where it fit in relation to the Will of God. His questions produced the opportunity for PERSONAL INTROSPECTION AND EXAMINATION.

When we question our understanding, we should do so in relation to God's Word. Reading through the Gospels -- when we come across the questions Jesus asked -- may we allow His Words to penetrate our own heart to REVEAL WHERE WE STAND. Those questions may give rise to a number of different feelings, but we can still REJOICE IN WHERE THE TRUTH LEADS US in bringing proper changes to our understanding and the manner in which we live.

Have a great day APPRECIATING THE "WHY" OF JESUS' QUESTIONS!
Carl

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