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The Questions of Jesus
What comes to your mind when you think about Jesus as “the Master Teacher?” Some might think of his long discourses like the Sermon on the Mount where the crowds were “amazed at His teaching.” Others His parables, like the Prodigal Son. Still others might think of Jesus’ private conversations with the apostles or Nicodemus or the woman at the well.
But the Master Teacher also had the ability to ask the right question at the right time. After telling the Parable of the Good Samaritan: “Which of these three proved to be a neighbor” (Luke 10:36)? After cleansing the 10 lepers: “Were there not ten cleansed? Where are the nine” (Luke 17:17)? After the great discipleship passage: “What shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his own soul” (Matt. 16:26)?
We usually ask questions because we are seeking information. That’s what a quest is, a search for something. Children ask, “Why?” or “Are we there yet?” We ask questions because we don’t know. But Jesus was omniscient, “all knowing.” He asked questions for the benefit of the one giving the answer.
In each of the following questions of Jesus found in the gospels, imagine that He is asking you. What would your answer be?
“What do you want Me to do for you” (Matt. 20:32)? This question was asked to two blind beggars. Did Jesus not know what they wanted or needed? Did He expect them to ask for a handout? They said, “Lord, we want our eyes to be opened” (20:33). Jesus wanted them to express their faith in Him to do the impossible. Jesus the Mighty was also Jesus the Merciful. They not only regained their sight, they began to follow Him. All because of a question.
What do you want Jesus to do for you? Some just want a teacher who will give them wise sayings like the Golden Rule. Some just want a revolutionary, a non-traditional who will rebel against the status quo. Some want a friend who will not condemn them but support them in whatever they do. Some want an alibi whom they can quote (often out of context) when others confront them. Do you want Jesus to do for you what no one else can do? To open your eyes to your sin and your need for a Savior? Only then can Jesus be your friend, your teacher, your everything.
“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I say” (Luke 6:46)? This question was asked to people who had come to hear Him preach (6:18). They were listening to His words and even believed His words. They did not just call Him “Lord” out of respect but repeated it for emphasis, “Lord, Lord.” But they were not obeying His commandments. Obedience is necessary for discipleship.
Are you doing what Jesus said to do? You recognize His authority and call Him “Lord.” But it is foolish to think that faith alone will save your soul. What good is it to confess Him as King and then treat His decrees as optional? The words of Jesus require an obedient faith.
“When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth” (Luke 18:8)? This question comes at the end of the parable of the persistent widow. In the New American Standard Bible, “faith” has a note in the margin that it is literally “the faith” or possibly “that faith.” Jesus is not asking if there will be believers in God on the earth. Will there be people with that kind of faith, the faith of the widow in the parable.
Will Jesus find that kind of faith on the earth? What if He comes during some trial or time of adversity in your life? Jesus’ question is about self examination. Do you trust in the providence of God or not?
“Do you love Me” (John 21:15-17)? This question is perhaps one of the most intriguing. Notice Peter’s astonishment: “Lord, you know all things” (21:17). Again, Jesus was not asking because He did not know. He even asked Him three times because Peter had denied Him three times. He wanted to know if Peter really meant what He said.
How many times does Jesus have to ask you? “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). Do what you’ve committed. Return after failure. Follow Him. Love must be set in motion.
The questions of Jesus still come to you. What will your answer be?
