One of the best ways to gather information is to ask questions. Thus, some of our Lord’s greatest and most memorable teachings came as a result of questions. Sometimes these questions were posed by Jesus. Other times they were posed to Jesus. Some of these questions came from sincere truth seekers. Others came from hypocritical enemies with a sinister agenda behind the questions. Regardless of the motive, Jesus used every question as a teaching opportunity. Even when He refused to answer, the Lord spoke volumes.

Consider the role that questions played in our Lord’s life. The first recorded words of Jesus are two questions He asked in response to a question He received from His mother. “…His mother said to Him, ‘Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.’ And He said to them, ‘Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father's business?’” (Luke 2:48-49). His first words spoken in Matthew’s gospel are a response to a question. “And John tried to prevent Him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?’ But Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.’ Then he allowed Him” (Matt. 3:14-15). His first words in John’s gospel are a question. “What do you seek?” (John 1:38).

Several teaching opportunities Jesus had with the twelve began with questions (Matt. 13:10; 16:13; 17:10, 19; 24:3). The apostles themselves would be asked challenging questions in their ministries (Acts 4:7; 5:27-28). Portions of First Corinthians contain Paul’s answers to their difficult questions (1 Cor. 7:1; 8:1). He even anticipated questions and provided answers regarding the resurrection of the dead (15:12, 29-30, 35).

The conversion of the Ethiopian Eunuch began with a question: “Do you understand what you are reading?” (Acts 8:30). Peter’s sermon to the household of Cornelius began with a question: “I ask, then, for what reason have you sent for me?” (10:29). The Philippian Jailer asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” (16:30). These kinds of questions still create teaching opportunities that lead to salvation. Such questions should always be asked and answered.

Christians must be prepared to answer questions. “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear” (1 Pet. 3:15, emphasis mine – HR). Some of these questions will be from sincere people who are seeking to learn more about our faith, hope, and beliefs. We need to be ready to give a defense or present an answer that leads to their understanding. Some questions are easy. We like those. However, some questions from some people in some situations make us uncomfortable. Jesus was asked uncomfortable questions. He also asked uncomfortable questions. These kinds of situations have their place, and mature Christians need to be ready to answer.

As a local congregation, we need to welcome questions and be prepared to give Bible answers. It is common for us say so in our announcements. Our Adult Bible Classes are generally conducted in an open-discussion format, which allows for questions and the exchange of information and ideas that follows. Sincere questions are welcomed by the elders because they give us an indication of how well the material is being understood by the congregation and the level of maturity obtained by the members. Sometimes we ask questions to generate discussion into a specific area that we want the members to grasp. Knollwood has always been a place where honest questions (even challenging, uncomfortable ones) are welcomed. It always will be. So, don’t be afraid to ask those questions, and be patient while others do the same.