One of the main ways that we gain knowledge and understanding is to ask good questions. With Jesus, He was not in need of knowledge or understanding. He had those already. What then was the reason for Him asking so many  questions? This is the subject of this sermon series - What questions did Jesus ask and why did He ask them?

June 1 -  Who do you say the Son of Man is? Identity - Matthew 16:13-16

Imagine this scenario, a friend of yours wants to know about another friend of yours that they have never met. How you describe them will be the first impression - and a lasting impression - on who they will think this person to be. It tells your friend what you know about them. Jesus asked this question to His closest friends to see who they thought He really was. How they answer will go far in helping Jesus know how close to the truth they have really come.

June 8 -  What do you want Me to do for you? Our Need - Mark 10:51

This is another example of Jesus asking a question of which He already knew the answer. When the blind came to Jesus, they wanted their sight. When the lame came to Jesus, they wanted to walk again. People swarmed Jesus to have Him cure them of the thing they identified as “their problem”. Jesus often graciously relieved them of their perceived problem. It wasn’t their perceived problem, however, that was the true purpose of His coming. He came to solve the real problem they may or may not have yet identified.

June 15 -  What good is it to gain the whole world and lose your soul? Purpose - Matthew 16:26

One of the realities of our fallen human world is the deep set hunger we have for more. More money, more house, more prestige, more influence… more, more, more. Jesus here asks a question that gets to the heart of true ROI (return on investment) which asks “is it worth it?” Is it worth it to get more and more and more, if you lose the one thing that is truly the most important? Is it wise to pursue the temporary and sacrifice the permanent? Does it make sense to prioritize the fleeting and empty if it costs us that which is lasting and fulfilling?

June 22 -  Why are you troubled and why do doubts arise in your hearts? Peace - Luke 24:38

Worry is another one of those problems all of us share in this fallen world. We have minds burdened with fears, and bodies racked with stress. Into this reality Jesus kindly asks “why?”. What purpose is it serving? Is it helping? What is keeping you from experiencing the “peace that passes understanding” that He promises? Why are we troubled when we have Jesus as our Savior? Why do we deal with doubts when we know what He has done for us and what He promises us?

June 29 -  Why do you call Me Lord, and do not do what I say? Obedience - Luke 6:46

I heard a preacher once say, “Your actions are speaking so loudly I cannot hear what you are saying.” The point he was making that if your words do not match your behavior, people will believe your behavior. If you say one thing and do another, it really didn’t matter what you said. Jesus was frustrated that the people were claiming that He had say over their life and then lived their lives any way they wanted. This question drives home the important point that we need to “walk the walk” and not simply “talk the talk”.