The Question Behind Our Questions
Matthew 22:35–36
Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, Master, which is the great commandment in the law?
Thought:
The lawyer asked a good question, but with the wrong heart. He was not truly seeking the truth. He was testing Jesus. Many of our questions about God, Scripture, and life are necessary and honest, but the real issue is why we ask them.
The Pharisees and Sadducees were not ignorant men. They knew the Scriptures well. Their problem was not a lack of information. Their problem was a lack of surrender. Jesus told them they were in error because they did not truly know the Scriptures or the power of God.
It is possible to quote the Bible and still resist the Author. True disciples come to Jesus with questions that are humble and open, ready to be corrected and led. We do not stand over Him as critics. We sit before Him as children, trusting His wisdom and goodness.
Today, ask the Lord to purify the spirit behind your questions.
Prayer:
Lord, search my heart and show me my motives. Forgive me for the times I have used questions to avoid You rather than knowing You. Give me a humble and teachable spirit. Let my questions come from a desire for truth and obedience, not from pride or unbelief. Make me a true disciple who wants to be taught by You. I ask this in Your name, Jesus. Amen.
Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, Master, which is the great commandment in the law?
Thought:
The lawyer asked a good question, but with the wrong heart. He was not truly seeking the truth. He was testing Jesus. Many of our questions about God, Scripture, and life are necessary and honest, but the real issue is why we ask them.
- Are we asking to understand or to resist
- To be taught or to argue
- To obey or to justify ourselves
The Pharisees and Sadducees were not ignorant men. They knew the Scriptures well. Their problem was not a lack of information. Their problem was a lack of surrender. Jesus told them they were in error because they did not truly know the Scriptures or the power of God.
It is possible to quote the Bible and still resist the Author. True disciples come to Jesus with questions that are humble and open, ready to be corrected and led. We do not stand over Him as critics. We sit before Him as children, trusting His wisdom and goodness.
Today, ask the Lord to purify the spirit behind your questions.
Prayer:
Lord, search my heart and show me my motives. Forgive me for the times I have used questions to avoid You rather than knowing You. Give me a humble and teachable spirit. Let my questions come from a desire for truth and obedience, not from pride or unbelief. Make me a true disciple who wants to be taught by You. I ask this in Your name, Jesus. Amen.
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