I’ve been reflecting on the importance of asking questions. Jesus was recorded in the gospels as asking 307 questions. He was asked 183 questions, yet He answered less than ten (Bannister, 2023). Andy, David and Heinz have all spoken of questions we do ask ourselves, ones we should be asking ourselves and ones we should ask others.
In the sermon on the mount, Jesus asked the crowd fourteen questions. Matt 5:46-47 focuses on encouraging listeners to adhere to a higher standard, by asking questions that compare them to tax collectors and pagans. His message on judging others in Matt 7:3-4 became more powerful because his questions held a mirror up to the crowd. Rather than outright rebuking them, He compelled them to humble themselves before judging others. It is a great example of how we can show grace and mercy to others too. Later in 7:9-10 He used the crowd's own perception of their fathers to demonstrate just how good God is. Using questions helps provide imagery to listeners, making the sermons easier to understand, more memorable and more impactful.
In the gospels Jesus asked open ended questions, many beginning with “how” “what” or “why”. Questions that required the listener to think and reflect. He asked many times who they think He is: an opportunity to evaluate what they truly think of Him and make a decision about their faith. Paul's letters follow suit and are full of questions which hold a mirror up to the church (Rom 2:3,4, 2:21-23, 2:26, 1 Cor 1:13, 1:20, 3:3-5, 4:7).
Despite asking plenty, Jesus didn’t answer most of the questions he was asked. I think this should compel us to dig into The Word, pray more, and discuss with each other in order to build our faith; and sometimes… we just aren’t meant to know the answers yet.
God also used questions in times of consequence - He is all knowing, yet in Gen 3:9-13 He asked Adam & Eve four questions. It showed kindness and gave them an opportunity to respond - albeit poorly - and for them to focus on their shortcomings, which in turn prepared them so they could acknowledge why they were being punished.
Today questions are just as important. They are one of the best tools for evangelism. Good questions show respect for others, their opinions and thoughts and help us to focus on the person rather than our own agendas. Asking questions can help people get to the answer on their own, rather than telling them what they should think. I also believe that it gives the Holy Spirit an opportunity to speak as a person pauses to ponder an answer. Questions can open up bigger conversations and opportunities for discussion, debate and ultimately (hopefully) a revelation of Christ as their Saviour.
Personally, I think using questions more is useful in parenting, improving my listening, and helping me show compassion more as I seek to hear and understand different opinions. As the church, we should get better at listening. Just like a toddler who asks 30,000 questions a day, we must learn to use questions to help others reflect and to call people, in love, to a higher standard. Jesus is the way (John 14:6) and he asked a lot of questions. So as followers of the ways of Christ, I think it’s a good idea for us to practice doing the same.
References
Bannister, A. (2023, November 15). Questions leading to Jesus. Focus on The Family.
https://www.focusonthefamily.com/faith/questions-leading-to-jesus/