Questions to Ask Jesus
Today we will talk about questions to ask Jesus. Many Christians find themselves longing for deeper understanding and connection with their Savior, and questions can open the door to that journey. Asking questions is not just an act of curiosity; it’s a way to draw closer to God and to seek answers from the source of wisdom. Through prayer and reflection, we have the opportunity to confront our doubts, clarify our faith, and receive guidance from Jesus. Be prepared to immerse yourself in scripture and let your heart be open to the lessons that God wants to share.
Understanding the Nature of Our Questions
When we approach Jesus with our questions, understanding the nature of those questions is crucial. Questions can arise from our emotional states, our circumstances, or our spiritual walk. Throughout history, people have asked Jesus about everything from ethical dilemmas to theological quandaries. In fact, the act of questioning is deeply rooted in our search for truth. In the Hebrew culture, questions were a part of significant teaching and learning; they often prompted discussions that led to greater understanding.
The Hebrew word for question is “שְׁאֵלָה” (she’elah), reflecting a fundamental desire for knowledge and wisdom. In the Greek New Testament, the word for question is “ἐρωτήμα” (erotema), which conveys not just asking, but inquiring deeply with the intent to understand. Both terms embody the essence of seeking, indicating that to pose a question is to uncover truth.
Throughout the Bible, we see many instances where people approached Jesus with questions. The disciples frequently sought clarity about His teachings. For example, in Matthew 13:10-17, Jesus explains to His disciples why He spoke in parables, illustrating the importance of understanding and the treasure behind each inquiry. Asking questions is not only acceptable; it’s encouraged in our walk with God. We see that even Jesus asked questions! For instance, in Luke 2:49, He responds to His parents by asking, “Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” This shows that inquiry goes hand-in-hand with exploration and revelation.
Questions about Faith and Belief
As we begin our discussion, one of the most common areas of inquiry centers around faith and belief. As followers of Christ, we often grapple with what it means to truly believe. When we pose questions about our faith, we are often seeking reassurance and understanding for our doubts and struggles.
Jesus welcomes questions about faith. In John 20:27, He tells Thomas to touch His wounds and believe, making room for honest doubt and inquiry. Questions like, “How can I believe when I struggle with doubt?” or “What do I do when my faith feels weak?” are vital because they lead us to deeper engagement with Jesus. In Romans 10:17, we are reminded that “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” This invites us to listen actively and question earnestly as we seek to grow in our belief. Each inquiry we have can also reflect a different aspect of our relationship with God, revealing our desires for connection and understanding.
Consider what James 1:5 tells us: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach.” This verse empowers us, reminding us that questioning is not a sign of weakness, but a pathway to insight. When we ask Jesus questions about faith, we may find answers that help to solidify our beliefs or even lead us to a new understanding of who God is in our lives.
Questions about Purpose and Direction
Another significant area of questioning pertains to our purpose and direction in life. Many of us ponder the path we should take, grappling with questions like, “What is God’s plan for my life?” and “How do I know I’m following His will?” These questions are essential as they guide our choices and influence our actions. Understanding God’s plan involves seeking wisdom from Scripture, prayer, and the Holy Spirit.
In Jeremiah 29:11, God reassures us that He has plans for our future and for our well-being. Asking Jesus about our purpose can bring clarity, comfort, and conviction. We are invited to explore and uncover what God desires for us, recognizing that this is often a journey, not a destination. Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that we are created for good works that God prepared in advance for us to do, which encourages us to seek out those very works through our relationship with Christ.
Additionally, asking Jesus about our direction can be a way of aligning our hearts with His. In Proverbs 3:5-6, we are instructed to trust the Lord with all our hearts and to acknowledge Him in all our ways, promising that He will direct our paths. This act of asking brings us into a posture of submission and trust—key elements in walking with Jesus in our daily lives. Our questions, therefore, are not just inquiries for information; they are spiritual exercises that build trust and reliance on our Savior.
Questions about Relationships
Relationships are vital aspects of our lives, and many of us yearn for guidance in navigating them. Questions about love, forgiveness, and conflict resolution are common as we engage with family, friends, and even adversaries. When we turn to Jesus with these questions, we can find wisdom and principles that guide us in our interactions.
In Matthew 22:37-39, Jesus teaches us the greatest commandment: to love God and to love our neighbors as ourselves. This foundation sets the groundwork for our questions about relationships. Inquiry about how to love harder, forgive deeper, or mend broken relationships can reveal insights into our own hearts and the hearts of others. We can also ask, “How can I better reflect Jesus in my relationships?” Each question leads to deeper introspection and, ultimately, growth in love.
Jesus’ model on reconciliation is another area that invites us to ask questions. In Matthew 18:15-17, He provides a clear guideline for handling conflict among believers, emphasizing the importance of communication and restoration over division. Posing questions about conflict resolution prompts us to explore how we can embody the principles of grace and kindness in our dealings with others.
Furthermore, questions about relationships often lead us to consider our relationship with Jesus Himself. We might ask, “How can I deepen my relationship with You, Lord?” This humble request acknowledges our need for intimacy with Him. John 15:15 illustrates this by stating that Jesus calls us friends if we do what He commands, emphasizing the importance of our obedience as a pathway to a richer relationship.
Questions about Suffering and Trials
Suffering is a universal experience, and many of us struggle to understand it within the context of our faith. It’s not uncommon to question why God allows pain and hardship in our lives. When we approach Jesus with these questions, we open ourselves to understanding a greater narrative of hope and purpose amidst suffering.
The Book of James offers powerful insights here, particularly in James 1:2-4, where we are encouraged to count it all joy when we face trials because they can produce perseverance. This perspective challenges us to consider suffering not merely as an obstacle but as an opportunity for growth. Asking Jesus about our suffering can lead us to a greater revelation of His purpose, just as Peter reminds us to “cast all our anxiety on Him because He cares for us” (1 Peter 5:7).
Moreover, we can learn from Jesus’ own experience with suffering. In Matthew 26:39, during His moment of anguish in the garden, He prayed for the cup to be taken from Him yet surrendered to God’s will. This example teaches that even in our darkest moments, we can express our feelings and questions to God and still find peace in submission to His plan. Asking questions about our hardships, such as “Why am I going through this?” or “How can this be for my good?” invites us to explore the role of faith in encountering life’s difficulties.
When we question our suffering, we also seek to understand how we can support those who endure similar trials. In 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, we learn about the comfort we receive from God to be able to comfort others. Asking Jesus how we can serve others in their suffering can spur us to action and create a chain of support and hope within our communities.
Questions about Prayer and Spiritual Practices
Finally, many of us ask questions about prayer and spiritual practices that nurture our walk with Christ. We might wonder: “How should I pray?” or “What does it mean to have a vibrant spiritual life?” These inquiries reflect our desire for connection with God and to understand more about effective communication with Him.
In Luke 11:1-4, Jesus provides a model prayer when His disciples ask Him how to pray. This guides us in our approach to prayer and shows us the importance of honoring God and seeking His will. Questions about prayer not only involve our rituals but also our heart posture; asking, “Am I truly listening in prayer?” invites us to cultivate a two-way relationship with God.
Moreover, Jesus teaches about the necessity of consistency and faithfulness in our prayer life in Matthew 7:7-8, where He encourages us to ask, seek, and knock. This invites us to be persistent in our spiritual practices, highlighting that our questions lead to a deeper engagement with God. Asking about spiritual disciplines can lead us to insights into Bible reading, fellowship, and worship, all of which deepen our relationship with Jesus.
Ultimately, the questions we ask about our spirituality allow us to identify areas in need of growth. Ephesians 6:18 encourages us to pray in the Spirit on all occasions, signaling our need for a vibrant conversation with God that encompasses every aspect of our lives. Each question we pose lays the groundwork for a stronger spiritual foundation.
Final Thoughts
In our journey with Christ, asking questions is essential. From our faith and purpose to our relationships and experiences of suffering, questions draw us into a conversation with Jesus that can be deeply fulfilling. We are encouraged by Scripture to seek wisdom and understanding. As we humbly ask, may we open our hearts to the answers He provides.
It’s important to remember that every inquiry is a step towards greater intimacy with God. Through prayer, reflection, and a willingness to learn, we can grow closer to our Savior and discover the fullness of His love and grace.
So, let us continue to ask Jesus those tough questions. It’s in the pursuit of understanding that we find growth, comfort, and assurance in our walk of faith.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4