What Questions Are You Asking

Voltaire once said, “Judge others by their questions rather than by their answers.” I’ve spent too much of my life giving others solutions to what I perceive is their problem. While I do believe God has used my words and my life in ways beyond what I’m aware of (and of which I feel humbled by) I have often and freely given others my opinions and quick solutions to their situations. I’m realizing that when I do this, it is driven by pride, arrogance and judgementalism. I have been quick to dispense solutions full of Bible references and not given enough focus on what the other person really needs from me at the moment. The roots of this practice stems from my story and from a behavior pattern that is pervasive in our evangelical Christian church in America.

In contrast to this, Jesus interacted with people differently. Especially when confronted with intense life issues, Jesus wasn’t quick to dispense long theological discourses intended to impress those around him. Often, Jesus just simply asked a question. Jesus use of questions often led others in discovering profound truths and life changing convictions. This has led me to ask myself, “What questions am I asking”?

Consider the real life story of the woman caught in adultery in John 8. This reveals how Jesus patiently sat in the messiness of that tense scene and responded on what was really needed. Emotions of hate and contempt were heavier than any of the rocks being gripped in the hands of her intended executioners. Wouldn’t this be a great time for Jesus to stand and deliver a wonderful treatise on forgiveness? I’m sure His eloquence and knowledge of the Scriptures would leave them awestruck. Wouldn’t his teaching, fully supported and referenced from other Scripture be fodder for many books and sermons?

Yet, Jesus didn’t rush in with solutions. While all the bulging, rage filled eyes were waiting for his cue to cast, he bends down and fingers the sand. He stooped. Let me say that again. He stooped! I’ve thought about what my reaction would have been in that situation. I don’t think I would stoop, for that would be to lower myself. I would want to “elevate”. I would feel the need to get control of the situation. This situation seems out of control and therefore (from my story) I must contain it. What do you think the woman felt when she saw Jesus stooping and touching the dirt with his fingers? Do you think the woman felt how Jesus lowered himself below her level? Do you think she felt intrigued by this man and his actions as it seemed he held her fate in his hands? If you were this woman how do you think that would have felt? What did she see in his eyes? What did she feel in his body language? Perhaps putting his finger in the dirt, let her know that he’s used to touching things that feel dirty.

The haranguing questions from the crowd continued to press Jesus for action, for his consent to proceed on the stoning. The question was not on just asking Jesus on what they should do; the question they were posing was whether or not he (Jesus) was going to obey the Bible! The Bible was very clear, black and white on this issue on what should be done. Jesus finally discontinued his dirt drawing and stood up to deliver his answer. His sermon contained 19 words and even reading it slowly only takes about 8 seconds. Then he stooped again and got his hands dirty.
In reality, Jesus message was not only the sermon, but included the invitation. This response to this invitation was different than any you’ve seen in church. No one came forward. The caustic clamoring of the crowd was silenced. The only sound was the free fall of rocks to coincide with the hearts that knew too well of their own fallen nature. It’s not insignificant to note as well, that it was the older ones in the crowd that more quickly understood and “got it”.

With only Jesus and the woman left, it certainly seems the time for him to really share with her the good news of the gospel. I know I would have a lot to tell her. Yet, Jesus packs the power of a life giving message with the power of his presence and one simple question.

10Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?"
It is here that Jesus “straightens” up. Now that he disarmed a mob by stooping and making an 8 second statement, now she experiences a man forthrightly addressing her with two simple questions. Is he asking the questions because he doesn’t know the answer? Of course not. He knows the murderous mob has left. He knows no one condemns her. So why would Jesus ask those questions. Could it be that he wants her to feel and experience the full truth of the answers? What was it like for her to say those words (“No one, Sir”) from her own mouth in the presence of a safe man? Do you think she said those words with her head hung low or with direct eye contact with Jesus? Do you think she experienced her precious dignity in the middle of her messy depravity?

So, What Questions are you asking?

My prayer: “Lord Jesus, know I have tried to take your place in being the solution to the needs of other people. I grieve that I’ve often been more interested in sharing my opinions than what my friend or family member needs. Please give me grace to really be curious and care about the needs on those I interact with. Teach me to ask good questions so that I can better understand others and so that I can help stimulate them in their pursuit of you.”