If you could ask Jesus any question, what would it be? He’s omniscient – there is nothing He doesn’t know. Wouldn’t it be exhilarating, and maybe a bit intimidating, to ask Him anything? Does the Daniel diet really work? What are the top three stocks you’d invest in today? Is climate change something we should worry about? How many more years do I have to live? What would you ask Him?

In the New Testament, a variety of people asked Jesus more than 180 questions, but He only answered around 8. On the other hand, He asked more than 300 questions as He interacted with the multitudes. He was interested in people, what they thought, what they believed, and what they wanted in life. He knew questions could engage a listener more effectively than simply dropping an exquisite lecture. He epitomized being quick to hear and slow to speak. (**A lesson we would do well to learn as we engage those around us today).  He was curious, and His questions demanded honest answers. Here are a couple:
 
Why are you anxious? Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye and not see the plank in your own? What good is it for someone to gain the whole world and lose their own soul? Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robber?
 
His questions were conversation starters, drawing others in to consider what they truly valued and believed. Some of His questions were compassionate and gentle; others dropped like a bomb of searing conviction. But He always aimed to lead people to reflection, discovery, and decision. Ultimately, His questions were a call to faith in Himself, as the all-knowing, all-sufficient Son of God. When Jesus asks, we should answer.

Over the next two months, concluding on Easter, we are going to study some of the engaging inquiries of Jesus.  His questions draw us in; they confront us; they make us wrestle with ultimate reality. They demand a serious response as they invite us to evaluate our own lives, priorities, and faith. Reading through the gospels over these weeks will help prepare you for Sunday mornings at Calvary.

Now I have two questions for you. Will you be there this Sunday? Will you invite someone to join you? Week one, February 4, is Jesus’ question from the Sermon on the Mount: Why are you anxious? It is the perfect question to begin our series as the world reels with anxiety. But don’t worry, there is a brilliant prescription for peace in the words of Jesus. See you Sunday.
 
With you on the journey,

Tom