How Jesus used questions to minister
Following Jesus on His journey to the cross and resurrection
**Welcome to my Glorygram and to my table! Pull up a chair and join me for a warm slice of Italian Easter Bread slathered with butter and a mug of tea. Each week I write this letter as an arrow pointing you back to God's glory and the ways He is working in our world. I use this space to get to know you better so please introduce yourself and share your stories in the comments too! Today’s devotion is part of a special series published on Proverbs 31 for Holy Week. From March 24 (Palm Sunday) to March 31 (Easter Sunday), each devotion focused on the events leading up to Jesus’ resurrection. We pray these words will prepare your heart and mind for the celebration of our risen Savior.
My daughter was recently struggling with a decision a teacher made. All the confusion, frustration and misunderstanding came tumbling out as she unpacked the details for me. This decision came at a cost to my daughter and other students.
My instinct was to call the teacher and defend my daughter. However, I decided it was more important to coach my girl on how to articulate her concerns respectfully and ask good questions.
Jesus was a master at asking purposeful questions. He used questions to teach, defend, challenge, make people think, meet people in their grief, and help center the stories of those who were often treated as outsiders.
Jesus asked a lonely Samaritan woman at a well, “Will you give me a drink?” (John 4:7, NIV) and engaged her in conversation, revealing Himself for the first time as the Messiah.
Jesus asked a chronically sick man, “Would you like to get well?” (John 5:6, NLT), having him consider what he believed before receiving healing.
“But what about you? … Who do you say I am?” Jesus asked Peter in a poignant moment with His disciples before facing His death on the cross (Matthew 16:15, NIV).
After His resurrection, Jesus asked two unassuming men on the road to Emmaus: “What are you discussing so intently as you walk along?” (Luke 24:17a, NLT).
Jesus modeled how to use thoughtful questions to foster understanding, build relationships and deepen faith among the people around Him.
During Holy Week, the chief priests and elders came to Jesus and challenged His authority to turn the tables in the temple and teach the gospel. Jesus didn’t argue but responded to their questions with a pointed question:
“I will also ask you one question. If you answer me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. John’s baptism—where did it come from? Was it from heaven, or of human origin?” (Matthew 21:24-25a, NIV).
The leaders were stumped. They knew if they answered that John’s baptism was from heaven, Jesus would ask why they didn’t believe him. They also knew if they answered “human origin,” then their own people, who believed in John the Baptist as a prophet, would turn against them. They had maliciously hoped to trap Jesus with their challenges, but instead He trapped them in their questioning.
Jesus isn’t scared of our questions or doubts; in fact, He welcomes them. Questions are a powerful way to engage, respectfully challenge and even care for others. Don’t underestimate the power of a question.
Luke 5:21-22 says, “And the scribes and the Pharisees began to question, saying, ‘Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?’ When Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answered them, ‘Why do you question in your hearts?’” (ESV).
Jesus perceived the challenging thoughts of the scribes and Pharisees and responded to them with a question.
Friend, can you think of a time in your life when you were unsure of how to handle a situation?
When you experienced something frustrating or witnessed an injustice?
When you longed to overcome a rift in a relationship?
Instead of lashing out or arguing, how could you ask a thoughtful question and listen to the other person’s answer?
Pray this prayer with me:
Dear God, please give me wisdom in the difficult situations I’m facing today. Help me to form thoughtful questions, and give me the courage to ask them. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
*Feature photo by Etienne Girardet on Unsplash.
Glory recommendations for you
Kristin Young invited me into a conversation for Easter Sunday on grief and glory for the Becoming Church podcast. Becoming Church is a podcast where we discuss how the message and movement of Jesus is not just about becoming Christians but about becoming the Church. Listen here or anywhere you find your podcasts.
Every month I like to introduce you to a new book that I offer as a giveaway! The March giveaway book is actually my favorite book of all time - the Bible. The winner of the Bible in the CSB translation is Rachel Varghese. This is a single-column, personal-sized Bible that’s easy to carry with a ribbon marker for quick referencing, concordance and full-color maps. CSB captures the Bible’s original meaning without sacrificing clarity, making it easier to engage with Scripture’s life-transforming message and to share it with others.
Is it possible to praise God in the midst of pain? What if it's not only possible, but it's an often-untapped source of strength? Don't miss this special conversation I had with my (in)courage writer friends, Dawn Camp, Karina Allen, and Becky Keife as they talk about Powerful Praise and our newest book, 100 Days of Strength in Any Struggle. Listen in.
Local friends, come celebrate with me! Kailani's Gift is my newest picture book. I’m so excited to share her with you! This sweet book is a celebration of family, Filipino heritage, and dance that showcases the value of patience, perseverance, and blessing others with your gifts and talents. It's a book for kids of all ages. Join me for a party on April 27 - complete with activities for kids, Filipino food, dancing, and a reading of the new book. Petunia's Place Bookstore is the Valley's premier children's bookstore and will host the event. Invite your friends, your families & don't forget to RSVP here! If you’re outside of California’s Central Valley, stay tuned for some fun online opportunities to celebrate and pre-order your copy today!
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I love how you pointed out so many questions! Would we do the same...
Beautiful reflections! Thank you for sharing!