The Power of Questions

After Jesus drove out the money changers from the temple courts and began teaching the good news (Luke 19:45-20:8), those in "authority” questioned Jesus’ authority. Have you considered how important a question can be? Asking a question can be THE motivator for some meaningful endeavors. Questions can become leverage for problem solving and discovery. Questions serve as fuel for conversations. Questions can help define your passion and purpose. Think of passion and purpose as a push/pull effect, where passion pushes you toward a goal, then purpose tugs you along. Nobody likes being pushed, which is why passion only lasts for so long before it runs out. Jesus’ response wasn’t hateful, but it exposed the religious leader’s passion or purpose.

Think through scriptures to see where some important questions were asked by mankind or by God. Genesis 3, God asked Adam and Eve, “Where are you?” There’s more to that question than just a logistical inquiry: “Where are you with Me?” or “Why aren’t you where you usually meet Me for our daily walks?” To think that was a question that God asked not too long after creating mankind, but those same kinds of questions would repeat themselves. God asked Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast?” (Genesis 4:6). Then He gave him the wise counsel that Cain refused to listen to. If we consider that God is asking us to “follow Him,” although He knows we have fears and doubts, then perhaps we see Him guiding us towards something that we can appreciate and become passionate about, and then find our purpose.

Purpose is different than passion. Purpose pulls you along while continually beckoning you to confirm—and re-confirm—its validity. Our purpose can be driven by our passions, which tends to be a dangerous thing. A noble purpose like service, growth, improvement, and making a positive difference, is the exception rather than the rule.

David said in Psalms 26:2-3, “Test me, Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; for I have always been mindful of Your unfailing love and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness…”

The religious leaders seemed to recognize Jesus’ authority (John 3) but were unwilling to humbly accept it and adopt His purpose for their life. Instead, they were on a path to destroy Him. It seems they were too proud to ask the question about their own passions and purposes. What’s your passion when it comes to your religious convictions? Do you find yourself opposing God?

Consider these instructions from James 4:7-10, “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God, and He will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn, and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.”