Questions Jesus Asked

Do you still not perceive? Matthew 16:9 Comprehension is very important, especially in matters dealing with faith. Jesus warned of the "leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees," meaning for them to beware their influence. Theirs was a negative influence on the things of God, and not necessary, in fact, evil. The disciples did not understand and wondered why Jesus was talking about bread; thus the question for today. Jesus explained it, and they understood. If you don't understand something, ask in prayer, or ask someone who might know.

‘How many loaves have you?’ (Matthew 15:34) This is Matthew's account of the miraculous feeding of 4,000; out of the scarcity of humanity, God provided an over-abundance. The question asks "Where is your starting point?" Also, "What do you have that you can share that we can use to bless others?" And from the seven loaves the disciples found, enough to feed four thousand was possible, with plenty of leftovers. All were satisfied. What is your starting point with what God would have you do for others? What are you waiting for?

And why do you break the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition? (Matthew 15:3) Most of us have our traditions. Some are good. Some, not so much. The reality is that we may love the traditions more than we love God, or we may hate change so much we don't dare challenge changing traditions. Jesus is again challenged by the Pharisees and scribes about hand washing before eating. Jesus counters by asking them the above question of breaking God's commandment for the sake of their tradition. And this was in regard to honoring one's mother and father; they had formed a tradition where children could tell their parents that they would not receive anything from them because they were holding that back for God. Jesus saw that tradition as one who broke one of the Big Ten (Ten Commandments). It's okay to question traditions especially if we are convicted by the Holy Spirit that we may be hiding from God's commandments. It is not worth keeping a tradition

why did you doubt? Matthew 14:31 This question comes after Peter walks on water with Jesus. Those few steps he took on the surface of the deep water would have impressed most anyone who saw it. But when Peter took his eyes off Jesus and looked at the wind, he began to sink. Jesus pulls him out and asks him this question: Why did you doubt? Acts of faith are best done with eyes on Jesus. If we place our eyes on the challenges or trials we are facing, we will sink just like Peter. Life is the same way. We can walk each day towards Jesus with our eyes on Him; distractions may challenge us away. Keep your eyes on Jesus!

‘Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?’ (Matthew 12:48) Who can interrupt my ministry might have been another way to answer this question. Jesus has had a complete day of preaching, teaching, healing, and delivering, and someone says, "Lord, your mom and brothers wish a word with you." Jesus responds with today's question: ‘Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?’ Jesus was not disowning his family, and certainly not His mother, but He was expanding His family to include those willing to do the will of His Heavenly Father; those who do those things God wants, become the brothers, and sisters, and mother of the Lord Jesus Christ. We could make a long list of God's to-do list, but it means loving and caring enough for others, that sharing a glass of water with someone thirsty is to do the will of God; that leads to us becoming a part, a necessary and vital part, of Jesus' family. Are you in?

You brood of vipers! How can you speak good things, when you are evil? (Matthew 12:34) Some of these questions were not directed necessarily, towards us. Some of them may apply to us at times, but this one was directed to the Pharisees and religious types of Jesus' day, who were not only ignorant of God's love, but especially ignorant of the incarnate love of God who was Jesus Christ. And here the human side of Jesus was a bit disturbed by the questions being asked of Him! The question yesterday was directed to the accusation that Jesus was demonic and working with Satan. After His explanation of those things, Jesus asks this question. And the question answers itself; these men were not good, they were evil, so the "good things" being spoken were not really from their hearts or spirits. May it not be ever said to us that we are evil and speaking good things when we are really a "brood of vipers." We are believers, thus children, of the Most High; ou

Or how can one enter a strong man’s house and plunder his property, without first tying up the strong man? (Matthew 12:29) Of all the preposterous things Jesus was accused of, that of being a representative of Satan beats the rest. This question comes in the midst of this accusation that Jesus was working for Satan, aka Beelzebub, and Jesus laughs it off, for He knew that a house divided could not stand, nor could anyone break into the home of a strong man and take all he has without first tying him up. The question: How can one enter a strong man's house and plunder his property, without first tying up the wrong man?, asks how it is with us and our faith. Have we taken control over those temptations and trials that seek to control us and lure us away from God? Only you can answer about those who enter your "house" and seek to tie you up; Jesus' answer is to resist and to stay firm in the faith.

Suppose one of you has only one sheep and it falls into a pit on the sabbath; will you not lay hold of it and lift it out? (Matthew 12:11) Jesus' ministry stressed wholeness and holiness. He showed a care and compassion that was not being shared in the religious practices of His day. Emphasis was more on the do's and don't's than on grace and love. Earlier in this chapter, Jesus and His disciples are hungry and so help themselves to grain in a field. This was forbidden by the law, for it was against the law to do any work on the Sabbath; and to pick grain to eat it, was not allowed. Yet, if He and His disciples did not eat they risked the danger of greater things like starvation. Jesus also countered the arguments charged against Him by quoting the law. Then, as He enters the temple, there was a man with a withered hand; the accusers of Jesus asked, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?" Then the question for today: "Suppose one of you has only

But to what will I compare this generation? (Matthew 11:16) This question comes during Jesus' discussion about John the Baptist and his ministry and purpose. Jesus is lamenting that while many were touched by it, the generation of unbelievers still continued in their wicked ways. The utter reality of that way of life leaves Jesus asking this question; Could there possibly be anything to compare to a generation that refuses a relationship with their God? How do you see our generation honestly? Have we improved and gotten ourselves closer to God? While I believe there is hope, there is still much to do.

What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? (Matthew 11:7) Jesus has just answered an important question of doubt from His cousin John the Baptist, asking if Jesus was truly "the One." Jesu answered the question, the affirms John's ministry and life, and reprimands those who questioned it. If you expected a show of some kind you would be disappointed; if you went often and expected a changing message, you would be disappointed. John did God's work and never wavered from where He stood, for he knew that was exactly where God wanted him. What do people see in us? A steadfast stand on faith in God that is biblically based and life-affirming, or do they see one who seeks to please people with a message they want to hear?

Do you believe that I am able to do this?’ (Matthew 9:28) The reputation of a traveling teacher doing great signs and unexplainable wonders had many come to Jesus, and yet Jesus felt the need to ask this key question if those in need and those who wanted to receive a blessing: "Do you believe I am able to do this?" This is asked of two blind men who want to regain their sight, and to their credit, they answered yes, and their sight was restored. You and I have seen, heard, even experienced many things that no one can explain, and yet we sometimes wonder, as we pray for a need, can Jesus really do this? As Jesus told the two men that their faith played a role in their healing, so should ours be strong enough to believe, and to trust God.

How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? (Matthew 9:15) There is rarely much sadness at a wedding, unless your first sister to wed gets married. The other day, Nellie and our youngest and I had a good laugh as she remembered her big sister's wedding. She was opposed not to the wedding, but to the fact that she was losing her sister from the household. I thank God my daughters are all very close, and love one another, so it was a sign to us that "losing" one was not a pleasant ordeal. But Jesus knew that in the wedding that is to come, where He is the groom and we, the church, are the bride, there will be no sadness. And during his time here on the earth, it was a time of preparation for this wedding and in His heart was great joy and excitement; for those whom God created for His purposes, would be reunited in that paradise relationship God so desires for us. And during His ministry, Jesus calls all to come to the relationship. Yet, He k

For which is easier, to say, “Your sins are forgiven”, or to say, “Stand up and walk”? (Matthew 9:5) Jesus never asked easy questions. This one has divided discussions for many centuries. Before healing this paralyzed man, Jesus says to him to "Take heart, your sins are forgiven." Whoa! That upset the "religious" men there, who immediately accused Jesus of blasphemy. So, before Jesus heals the man, He asks the question above, "For which is easier to say, 'Your sins are forgiven', or to say, 'Stand up and walk'? In the human perspective, I personally think it is easier for us to tell someone their sins are forgiven if they ask for forgiveness from God. We do not have authority to forgive sins, only those which some may commit against us; but to tell a paralyzed man to "Stand up and walk" would be a foolish thing, perhaps offensive to the person and those who hear it. Ours is a task of telling people that God's love is suffi

But how then would the scriptures be fulfilled, which say it must happen in this way?’ (Matthew 26:54) ' Jesus knew to trust God. Jesus knew God's plan for His life, and trusted all that happened, because He had read about it. This question asks the question, even when He is being arrested after His betrayal by a dear friend and disciple. "How else would the greater thing happen, if this was not necessary?" We tend to get angry and cry that things did not work out our way, but if we could step back and see from a perspective of faith that what may be coming after the incident that made us cry, we would smile and say, God knows better, and this that happened can serve to teach me something. The key is to stay connected with God by reading the scriptures. There's a lot of wealth and wisdom to be found in the Bible's pages, and they don't magically come out; we must open the Bible, pray as we read, and reap the blessings that it contains for our lives.

Why do you think evil in your hearts? (Matthew 9:4) If our minds were cinemas, we'd have blockbusters of the worst kind. It's easy to let our minds run wild, and sometimes they head in the wrong direction. That's why Jesus came. That's why God sent the Holy Spirit; to help guide us to the heavenly and good, and away from the deadly sewer that life and certain death sometimes sends us. Paul later writes for us to think on the good things of life. As easy as it is to think on the negative, we should think on the good. He also said, if it helps, sing more! And sing praises and hymns! Life comes from Jesus, and Jesus shares with us life in abundance; that's a rich, spiritual life that brings blessing to us and to those around us.

‘Why are you afraid, you of little faith?’ (Matthew 8:26) This question was asked of the disciples as the storm came upon their boat. Naturally, they feared for their lives, and cried out to Jesus. Jesus answered their cries with a question. And it was an important question too: "Why are you afraid, you of little faith?" The first part is answered by the second; Fear should not belong to those of faith. Yes, we do get scared and that is natural, but the supernatural is when we allow our faith to kick in and take over. Those guided by God's Holy Spirit will experience fear only for a bit, then peace will the ours as we realize that God's in control. Then again, like the man who asked of Jesus a healing said, "Lord, I believe, help my unbelief," is part of that faith journey as well. We ask for help, we may be fearful, but faith is ours and Jesus is there to help us with our unbelief. To whatever may be scaring you today rebuke it in the name of J

Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles? (Matthew 7:16) This question follows a declaration from Jesus about how we live our lives and the fruit we may or may not be bearing. "You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles?" While He was talking about false prophets, and I pray none of us fall in that category, it also applies to those who say they are people of faith but have nothing to show for it. Growing up in Kingsville and spending most of my childhood shoeless, I know about thorns and nothing, I mean absolutely nothing close to grapes come from thorns. The great vocabulary my grandfather showed me through Maldiciones 101 (Spanish curse words) was put to extensive use whenever my foot encountered a thorn. I would have preferred grapes. The same for thistles. It is a plant that does not produce figs. What we have inside our hearts and how we live our lives produces either good fruit or bad fruit. Thos

July 08, 2017 And why do you worry about clothing? Matthew 6:28 For most of us, we care about how we present ourselves. For some, that means how we look in our clothing is important. Some even will panic to receive an invitation to a wedding or a special function and you may have even heard the person exclaim, "I don't have a thing to wear!" I'm old enough to remember "The Easter Parade" as folks called Easter Sunday in the church; how people dressed for that special one day in worship really was a big deal, and for some it still may be. I remember how we dressed all our daughters for that day, and pictures of them in those days still bring a smile to my face. Jesus asks, "And why do you worry about clothing?" Again, the topic is worry and the stress that it brings to our minds, hearts, bodies, and feelings. Is it worth stressing out about clothing? The rest of that verse compares us to the way the birds dress, and how beautiful they look, an

Why do you see the speck in your neighbor’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? Matthew 6:28 It is so easy to see and point out the faults of others, for some people. Some can never see the good in anyone other than themselves. Jesus asks a pointed question; why do we spend so much time looking at the faults and negative things of others, when many times, the truth is that we're worse. Self-reflection and inspection goes farther than others-focused condemnation. I've heard some people at certain points in their life say, "The thing I hated most in others has now come to my own home," or something to that effect. Hmm, could it have been that we have spoken out too much in a bad way that it affected in influenced those around us? We know that words hurt and kill; and sometimes we say something we shouldn't say, and it's too late to say, "Please un-hear that." Or, "you didn't see that!" Jesus wants us to start and

And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? Jesus' third question gets to the heart of what troubles many people today; worry. One thinks, what could people in Jesus' day be worried about? Plenty. Their lifespan was very short; food and water were scarce. The question really should be, why do we worry so much? Why is stress such an important matter in so many lives? Truth be told, Jesus knows best. Worry does nothing positive for us; in fact, the opposite is true. The more we worry, the greater the chance that we will cut our lives short. Jesus' third question comes in the ending part of His greatest sermon, The Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus declares a new way to live and be, with the main message being: GOD is in control. How can we possibly worry? Yes, you're still worried, or will worry. Jesus says: Stop it!

And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? (Matthew 5:47) Something that makes me sigh is entering a place of worship and seeing brothers talking to brothers, sisters to sisters, and those who come in for the first time being ignored. Nothing says find another church louder than to ignore a guest who has come to worship. And it's not only in churches, it's in workplaces, in neighborhoods, in homes; Jesus is serious about the need for human interaction. A simple hello has many times saved the life of someone thinking of doing something horrible. A simple hello with a smile will bless someone's life in ways we may not see immediately, but it does. Misunderstandings, and many of the -isms we have in our society have come because we have not greeted one another as we should. "How are you today?" may open up a new relationship, a new understanding, a new life for some. Jesus wants Christians to stand out and above the

For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? (Matthew 5:46a) The One with all the answers asked questions. Jesus had a purpose in mind in asking questions; He wanted to get people to think harder and deeper about things they may have been taking for granted or things about which they had never thought. The first question found in the Gospels that Jesus asked is one of those questions: "If you love those who love you, what reward do you have?" Many of us are the "What's in it for me" type people, seeking to know what we get if we invest or give to something. And Jesus finds it difficult to believe that we would do so when it comes to love. Love, we believe, is reserved only for those who love us. Jesus challenges that thought with saying throughout His ministry, that we should love others, even those who do NOT love us. Love does bring rewards, some very tangible, others not immediately, but ultimately. Loving those who love us is easy;