How Often Do We Ask God Questions

– Ponderings:

Here’s another internet question for today: What’s your best line to end an argument? Here are some possibilities. “I’m out (or done).” “Let’s just agree to disagree.” “Whatever!” (said sarcastically). “Goodbye.” “Well, bless your heart.” “I’m right, you’re wrong, deal with it.” Others said the best response is no response; just walk away.

My answer to the question would depend on the circumstances. I’ve been sarcastic (go figure). I’ve walked away. I’ve engaged in direct confrontation. When I was much younger, I recall arguing with my mother and stalking away, pouting, usually accompanied by a slamming door. I lost those.

Numerous people came to Jesus with the intent of starting an argument. They asked questions to trap him. They misstated facts and claimed them as truth. They accused him of being Satan or of trying to lead people away from God. Jesus didn’t often get angry, although he sometimes called them hypocrites or faithless. He didn’t walk away, at least not right away. He never said, “Well, let’s just agree to disagree.” Sometimes he told them they were wrong, often quoting Scripture. The tactic he used the most, however, was to ask questions. His goal was not to “win” the argument, but to try and get the person to see the truth on their own.

One day, Jesus was in the temple, and he was approached by a group of priests and other important people. They had heard about Jesus’ miracles and his teachings, and asked, “By what authority are you doing these things, or who gave you this authority to do them?” On the surface, this sounds like an honest question, but it came with an agenda. They wanted Jesus to say, as he had before, that his authority came from God because he was the Son of God and the Messiah. If Jesus said that on temple grounds, they could arrest him for blasphemy.

Knowing their intent, Jesus answered their question with a question. “I will ask you one question; answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. Was the baptism of John from heaven or from man? Answer me.” They didn’t know how to answer the question; rather, they knew the answer but didn’t want to say it. John, who had baptized Jesus, was respected as a true prophet of God (having been killed by Herod), and John, when baptizing Jesus, had declared him the Son of God. Jesus was stepping back and allowing John to vouch for who he was.

Jesus’ question put these men on the spot. If they said John’s words came from heaven, they’d have to believe in Jesus. If they said John’s words came from himself, they were insulting John. So they fell back on, “We don’t know.” Jesus ended the argument by saying, “If you don’t know, I’m not going to tell you.” Then he walked away.

Sometimes, when we’re faced with an argument, we need to know when to disagree, when to listen, and when to walk away. As much as we might like an argument, not every question must be answered or every debate settled. The Bible doesn’t tell us to avoid all argument, but it does suggest we think about when and how to respond. Proverbs even reminds us that you can’t argue with a fool (although I need to remember that not everyone who disagrees with me is a fool). Sometimes, people don’t want to hear any “truth” other than what they’ve accepted as true. Jesus was willing to speak truth, sometimes bluntly, but never at the expense of kindness or love.

This conversation prompts questions of our own. How often do we ask God questions with strings attached? “God, if you’re real, prove it—on my terms.” “God, I’ll trust you—if you do what I want.” But Jesus doesn’t submit to our terms. He invites us to trust him. He asks us, “Who do you believe I am?” Then, in love, he allows us to think about it and give our answer.

Prayer: Jesus, forgive me for the times I come to you not with an open heart but a demanding one. Help me to trust your authority even when I don’t fully understand your ways. Give me faith to follow, not control. Amen.