Good Question
It is no surprise that Jesus was at the top of every human category in which He participated. Imagine Jesus being a contestant in a race or any athletic event. Of course, being God in the flesh and the only perfect human gave Him a definite advantage.
One of the categories in which Jesus frequently demonstrated His superiority was as a teacher. We who teach could never hope to rise to the level of Jesus’ proficiency. But if we’re wise, we will learn from observing His techniques. For example, Jesus asked perfect questions. Great teachers ask great questions. It makes the students think and keeps them awake!
The right question at the right time can teach volumes. A shrewdly placed query can say more than pages of a well-prepared lecture. So Jesus, the Supreme Teacher of all time, asked questions, the answers to which could fill volumes of theological commentaries. And the responses not only denote where the respondent stands with Christ, but make us think about our reply to the same question.
One example is part of Jesus’ response to a woman who had just lost her brother. Lazarus, also a friend of Jesus, has died. Martha confronts Jesus, questioning why He hadn’t come sooner. She believes if he had, perhaps Lazarus could have been saved. Jesus responds, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die.” Then comes the question: “Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26). Jesus asks Martha the most critical question that not only she but that we will ever answer.
The response to Jesus’ question has eternal consequences for the person answering it. It also speaks to the theological question of salvation through faith. Belief is the crucial component. In a highly emotional circumstance, Jesus asks the perfect question to teach the perfect lesson about who He is, what He provides, and how He provides it.
In another scene, Jesus takes advantage of an atmosphere of misperception concerning His identity. Sensing the confusion among His disciples, He uses the occasion as a teachable moment. Christ asks another question with eternal consequences for the respondent and us. After gathering their replies about the general environment concerning His identity, He asked, “But who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:15).
Peter replied with a biblically accurate declaration. Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). Peter’s response was so impressive that Jesus knew it was not his alone. Jesus attributes it to the fact that “flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 16:17). The truth in Peter’s answer is central to our faith in Christ. But it was Jesus’ perfect question that led to the revelation of this eternal truth.
A third instance turns the believer’s relationship with Christ. In this case, following His resurrection, Jesus asks a question three times to make His point. Again, the Supreme Teacher is looking for a particular answer. First, Jesus asks, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?” (John 21:15). He is not fully satisfied with Peter’s response. So, He asks again, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” (John 21:16). Peter’s answer falls short. Hence, Jesus repeats, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” (John 21:17). Finally, Peter responds by expressing the love Christ expected as Jesus gives him his duty to His sheep.
So, whether you consider yourself a teacher or not, if you’re interested in teaching others about Christ, be like Jesus and ask good questions. Great idea, don’t you think?
“And He said to him, ‘What is written in the Law? How does it read to you?’ And he answered, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.’ And He said to him, ‘You have answered correctly; do this and you will live.’” —Luke 10:26–28