Today we will talk about what 3 questions did Jesus answer directly. Many Christians do not know what this means. Be in the mode of meditation as we read through God’s word. Jesus, during His time on earth, encountered countless inquiries, but a few stood out as direct questions that demanded clear responses. These questions reflect critical aspects of faith and understanding in our walk with God. From His teachings, we can find clarity and guidance that resonates through generations, impacting our relationship with Him and our understanding of divine principles. Let’s embark on this enlightening journey together as we explore these essential questions and the divine wisdom Jesus shared with us.
What 3 Questions Did Jesus Answer Directly?
Question 1: What Must I Do to Inherit Eternal Life?
The question regarding eternal life is perhaps one of the most fundamental inquiries a person can make regarding faith. The inquiry arose when a rich young man approached Jesus, eager to learn about attaining access to heaven. In Mark 10:17-20, the young man asks, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” This illustrates not just a concern for the afterlife but an active pursuit of understanding God’s requirements for salvation.
While the Hebrew term for eternal life, “חַיִּים” (Chayim), signifies not merely existence but a quality of divine life, the Greek “αἰώνιος” (aíōnios) encompasses notions of eternity as part of God’s nature. Jesus responded with a critical challenge to the man’s values, suggesting he sell his possessions and follow Him. This answer emphasized the importance of prioritizing spiritual wealth over material possession.
Jesus highlights the necessity of obeying the commandments, showcasing God’s desire for His followers to adhere to His laws (Matthew 19:17). The rich young man’s journey resonates with many of us today as we ponder our attachments and the sacrifice required to follow Christ wholeheartedly. It demonstrates that eternal life is not only about believing but involves practical actions of love, surrender, and following Jesus. Here, faith translates into direct actions that reflect our commitment to God, leading us to the realization that our relationship with Him and each other dictates our eternal destination.
Question 2: Who Do You Say That I Am?
In Matthew 16:15, Jesus directly asks His disciples, “But what about you? Who do you say I am?” This question is pivotal, as it probes the personal belief and understanding of those closest to Him. The answer to this question is fundamental to Christian faith and identity. In the Hebrew culture, names held significant meaning; thus, acknowledging Jesus’ identity was more than mere identification.
Peter answers boldly, declaring, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). By identifying Jesus as Messiah, Peter acknowledges His divine authority and role in God’s plan. The Greek term “Χριστός” (Christos) translates as “the Anointed One,” affirming Jesus as the promised Savior of both Jewish and Gentile people.
Jesus’ response in Matthew 16:17 commends Peter, indicating that such understanding is a revelation from God, which further emphasizes the divine nature of understanding Jesus’s true identity. Knowing who Jesus is fundamentally shapes our relationship with Him. From this question, we’re invited to see Jesus as not just a historical figure but as our personal Savior and Lord. As we grapple with this inquiry in our lives, it encourages a deeper relationship with Christ, evolving to a more personalized faith that inherently shapes how we live day-to-day.
Question 3: What Is the Greatest Commandment?
Another significant query that arrives during a testing moment is found in Matthew 22:36. An expert in the law asks Jesus, “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” In asking this, he seeks to understand Jesus’ perception of the Law, which had over 600 commandments. The response Jesus provides is both profound and illuminating, summarizing the essence of God’s law.
Jesus replies in verse 37, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” This response encompasses the Shema, a traditional Jewish confession found in Deuteronomy 6:5. It reveals the call for total devotion to God, filtering through our emotions, thoughts, and spirit. In the Greek translation, “ἀγάπη” (agapē), signifies a selfless love that transcends mere emotions, manifesting in actions and thoughts focused on God’s will.
In verse 39, Jesus continues, “And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.” This second command enacts the first. The interplay between loving God and loving others creates a holistic view of our faith and engagement with the world around us. When we understand and embrace these commandments, we find the foundation of our Christian walk, shaping not just individual behaviors but transforming entire communities through love.
Jesus’ response is not simply about adhering to a list of rules; it redefines the essence of righteousness, guiding us to lead lives that reflect love — love to God and love to others. It emphasizes that the core of our faith is about hearts transformed by love and grace, creating a ripple effect that resonates among all those we engage with.
Final Thoughts
In examining the three vital questions Jesus answered directly, we learn so much about our faith journey. The inquisition about eternal life urges us to ponder our priorities and the practical actions accompanying our faith, leading us closer to Jesus. Understanding who Jesus is invites us into a personal relationship, one where we are challenged to see Him not merely as a teacher but as our Savior. Lastly, contemplating the greatest commandment reshapes our lives around a framework of love — love for God that overflows into love for others. All these inquiries push us toward self-examination and growth in our spiritual walk. Let us strive to live out these teachings each day, allowing our hearts to align with what Jesus emphasized throughout His ministry.
As we reflect on these essential questions, I invite us to continue seeking answers and embracing the transformative journey our faith offers. Jesus faced these profound questions with transparency and an open heart, inviting us to do the same in our lives.
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