The Witness of Questions
Scripture Reading — Matthew 22:34-46
“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 too that good questions prompt you to learn better than if good answers are simply given to you. Jesus was 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 “Why do you feel that way?” Likewise, we can care spiritually by asking, “How have you seen God at work in your life?” or “What do you think 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 they fear they 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.
About the author — Daryl DeKlerk
Daryl DeKlerk pastors a church in Jarvis, Ontario. He is thankful for a sabbatical that enabled him to study the theme of Grace-filled Christian Witness. Daryl and his wife have three young children who keep them on their toes and on their knees in prayer.
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