Questions

Scripture: John 7:25-31  (Click link for scripture in Bible Gateway)

25 Some of the people who lived in Jerusalem started to ask each other, “Isn’t this the man they are trying to kill? 26 But here he is, speaking in public, and they say nothing to him. Could our leaders possibly believe that he is the Messiah? 27 But how could he be? For we know where this man comes from. When the Messiah comes, he will simply appear; no one will know where he comes from.” 28 While Jesus was teaching in the Temple, he called out, “Yes, you know me, and you know where I come from. But I’m not here on my own. The one who sent me is true, and you don’t know him. 29 But I know him because I come from him, and he sent me to you.” 30 Then the leaders tried to arrest him; but no one laid a hand on him, because his time had not yet come. 31 Many among the crowds at the Temple believed in him. “After all,” they said, “would you expect the Messiah to do more miraculous signs than this man has done?” (John 7:25–31 NLT)

Jesus was really stirring things up! The people in Jerusalem were asking questions: “Isn’t this the man our leaders are trying to kill? Why don’t they stop him? Is it possible that he’s the Messiah? He can’t be! He’s from Nazareth. The Messiah will appear some day and no one will know where, when, or how!” But their questions weren’t getting anywhere. They weren’t asking the right questions of the right people.

Don’t be afraid of questions! Questions are often and in many ways more valuable than answers. Questions help us realize we don’t know it all. Questions open the door to learning new things. Let’s learn to ask the right questions, to ask the questions of the right person or sources, and to not be afraid of fresh and challenging answers.

I’ve been reading the Bible for a long time. I love the Bible and I want all that it has for me. But here’s an interesting thing: I had relatively few questions when I began to take the Bible seriously. After a few decades of taking the Bible seriously, I find I’m certain about far fewer things, but I’m much more certain of those things for which certainty remains! Still, I often have more questions than answers! What are your questions about Jesus, about God, about the Bible? Do you have a safe place to ask and safe people among whom to ask those questions?

Prayer:

Father, Help us to not fear questions. Help us learn to ask the questions that will teach us most about you, your Son Jesus Christ, and your living Word. Give us safe places where we can ask strong questions and safe people among whom to ask those questions. Lead us into the Truth that sets us free. In Jesus Name!