THE SET UP
Most of us can tell the difference between being asked a question and being questioned. If you are a parent, you know when your kids want to know something and when they are questioning your authority. Same thing if you are a teacher or a boss. Answering honest questions can be a joy, being questioned, not so much. When the priests brought their questions to Jesus, it was usually not to learn. It was to try and trip Him up or get Him with a “Gotcha!” moment. Jesus knew that. So most of the time He answered their question with a question of His own. This shut down the debate really quickly. In the Gospels, Jesus answers a lot of sincere questions from people seeking truth. But He also rebuffs a lot of people (usually the super religious ones) who are questioning his authority and identity. God is not afraid of our questions. But we need to check our heart to see if our questions are for the purpose of learning or if we are questioning God’s character and purpose.
PASSAGE TO READ
Luke 20:1-8 (Page 631 in our house bibles)
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
Are you someone who tends to ask a lot of questions, or are you someone who people look to for answers? (Or both?)
Why do you think Jesus didn’t just come out and answer the priests questions?
If you could ask God any question and knew He would answer, what would you ask?
PRAYER IDEA
Ask God your questions and ask the Holy Spirit to help you have understanding.