Minister Justin Danielson, Parkview Christian Church
Questions…why do we ask so many questions? There are many reasons including engagement, to build relationships, to force interaction, to cause others to think, to create conversation, so the listener will own their conclusions, and often just to start a conversation. This is exactly what Jesus did in His three-year ministry with His disciples and others around Him. Jesus was a great communicator and parable teller, and He asked great questions. It is said that Jesus asked over 300 questions in the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
On average children ask 73 questions per day, while adults ask around 20. We all know people that take this on as a challenge every day and blow these statistics out of the water.
At Parkview Christian Church we have been going through a series titled, “Questions Jesus Asked.” In going through these questions, we can ask ourselves the same ones today.
Who do you say that I am? This is a profound question, and the answer can determine your eternity. We find Jesus asking the disciples this question in Matthew 16:13-20. But before this question Jesus asks the disciples a broader question to get their wheels turning. He asks, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” The disciples responded that some say John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets. Today some would answer that Jesus was just a prophet, or just a great teacher. Most won’t deny His humanity.
Jesus goes on to ask in Matthew 16:15, “But who do you say that I am?” Now Jesus is looking to the disciples to answer the question about His humanity and His deity. They were probably looking at each other or maybe at the ground wondering who would speak up first. Peter, being one of the more vocal disciples answers, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:16). This is one of “Greats” in the Bible that we as Christians are called to live by. First, the Great Commandment (Matthew 22:34-40)
For the complete article, see this week’s edition of the Centralia Fireside Guard
