Good Questions

“What do you think about the Messiah? Whose son is he?” Matthew 22:42

Jesus liked to ask questions. Sometimes He answered a question with another question. In today’s verses Jesus answers a question with amazing insight; then He asks some questions that silence his opponents. In doing so, He shows that He, the Messiah, is more than “the son of David.” He’s also the Son of God.

As good teachers know, learning is a process, and good answers arise from good questions. Good students know that good questions prompt you to learn better than if good answers are simply given to you. Jesus is a master teacher, asking good questions so that people would come to the right conclusions.

Questions also communicate care. When we ask someone a question, we show that we respect them enough to let them develop an answer. Asking and listening show others the love of Jesus. There are many questions we can ask, from “How was your day?” to “Can you tell me more about that?” and “Why do you ask that question?” Likewise, we can care spiritually by asking, “How have you seen God at work in your life?” or “What do you think/feel about Jesus?”

What questions have people asked because they cared about you? What spiritual questions helped point you to God?

Christians are sometimes afraid to witness for God because we fear we don’t have all the right answers. But often the key to showing God’s love is to ask questions with care.

O God, make our witness rich with healthy, caring questions for the people around us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

The Answer