Jesus was always asking questions. “Why are you so afraid?” “Why do you call me good?” “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?” “Where is your faith?” By one estimate Jesus asked as many as 307 questions in the Gospels, a lot more questions than answers.
Why? Perhaps it’s because when we ask ourselves questions, we grow. We’re not just spouting off answers someone else has given us. We own the answers.
Here are just five of Jesus’ questions. Have fun with them. Savor them. Each one is worth praying through:
1) “Who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:15)
Jesus asked this of the disciples when they were repeating what other people were saying about Jesus’ identity. So much for what other people think. What do you think? That’s what counts.
2) “What do you want me to do for you?” (Matthew 20:32)
Two blind men were among a large crowd following Jesus, begging for mercy. Jesus doesn’t heal them until they say exactly what they want. Prayer is a chance for us to articulate our needs. What do we want?
3) “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” (Luke 6:46)
What we value most will be shown in our lives. We are an open book. It is impossible to say “Lord, Lord” and truly mean it without following through.
4) “When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?” (Mark 8:19)
Jesus has performed an astounding miracle. Have the disciples fully noticed? Have they taken stock? Have you taken stock of the miracles done in your life?
5) “Do you love me?” (John 21:17)
Jesus asked Peter this question three times, and each time when the answer was yes the response was “Feed my sheep.” Talk is cheap. Love is everything. What do you do to show your love?
