Questions of Jesus
“When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, ‘Who do people say the Son of Man is?…[W]hat about you?’ he asked. ‘Who do you say I am?’” —Matthew 16:13,15
Have you ever noticed how much questioning Jesus does? It’s kind of funny when you think about it. Here is Jesus, God made flesh, who knows absolutely everything about everyone. And yet, He stops to not only ask good questions but actually listen deeply to their answers.
Jesus’s questions give rise to a few questions in my own mind. Like, why do you ask people questions when you already know the answers? (What could Blind Bartimaeus possibly want from you, if not his sight?) And why do You always seem to ask the most difficult-to-answer questions in front of other people? (Poor Peter, not only do you question his love, but You do so in front of the other disciples). I know that God is good and that He always acts in love. So, I’m confident there is a good reason not only for the questions but for the circumstances in which He asks them. But that doesn’t make it any less hard to understand.
And here’s another thing I’ve noticed about the questions of Jesus—many of them have either a stated or implied relational component.
Why do You involve Me?
Do You believe that I am able to do this?
Why did You doubt [Me]?
How long shall I stay with You? How long shall I put up with You?
Could You not keep watch with Me for one hour?
Why were You searching for Me?
We see that relational component in what is arguably the most important question that Jesus asks His followers: “Who do you say that I am?” His question is just as relevant for us today as it was for His disciples 2000 years ago. Like then, it is a relational question, that Jesus asks even though he already knows our answer.
Reflection
What is your response to Jesus’s question today? Who do you say that He is?
Remember, you can be perfectly honest, because He already knows your answer and He loves you regardless of whatever your answer might be.
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