When you read the Gospels, it is surprising how many questions were asked of Jesus, both by his disciples and other inquirers. Consider the following intriguing questions that were posed to Jesus.
A few months ago, when youth attending a worship conference in Montreat, N.C., were asked what they would most like to ask Jesus if they had the chance, they put together a list of thought-provoking questions, including the following:
- What can I do to make my life better?
- What is heaven like?
- Did you know that you were born to die for us?
- Do you ever wish you weren’t the son of God?
- What was it like to be criticized all the time?
- What’s up with evolution?
- What does God look like?
- Why do some people have disorders?
- Did you ever have a girlfriend?
- Why isn’t everyone equal?
- Why?
- Did you say goodbye to your mom before you were crucified?
- How did you know that you were doing what God wanted you to?
- Do you really like hymns?
When you read the Gospels, it is surprising how many questions were asked of Jesus, both by his disciples and other inquirers. Consider the following intriguing questions that were posed to Jesus:
- How can a man be born when he is old? (Jn 3:4)
- What must we do to do the works God requires?(Jn 6:28)
- Are you the one who was to come, or shall we look for another? (Mt 11:3)
- Of all the commandments, which is the most important? (Mk 12:28)
- Where could we get enough bread in this remote place to feed such a crowd? (Mt 15:33)
- Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? (Mt 18:1)
- How many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? (Mt 18:21)
- Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife? (Mt 19:3)
- What must I do to inherit eternal life? (Lk 10:25)
- Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? (Lk 20:22)
- What will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age? (Mt 24:3)
- Are you the king of the Jews? (Mt 27:11)
Jesus did not reprimand those who asked questions. In fact, Jesus tended to welcome questions. Perhaps, he still does.
Barry Howard is senior minister of First Baptist Church in Corbin, Ky.
Pastor at the Wieuca Road Baptist Church in Atlanta. He also serves as a leadership coach and columnist for the Center for Healthy Churches. He and his wife, Amanda, live in Brookhaven, Georgia.