“Jesus replied, ‘I will also ask you one question. If you answer me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things.’” Matthew 21:24 (NIV)

Editor’s Note: Today’s devotion is part of a special series for Holy Week! From March 24 (Palm Sunday) to March 31 (Easter Sunday), each devotion will focus on the events leading up to Jesus’ resurrection. We pray these words will prepare your heart and mind for the celebration of our risen Savior.

My daughter was recently struggling with a decision a teacher made. All the confusion, frustration and misunderstanding came tumbling out as she unpacked the details for me. This decision came at a cost to my daughter and other students.

My instinct was to call the teacher and defend my daughter. However, I decided it was more important to coach my girl on how to articulate her concerns respectfully and ask good questions.

Jesus was a master at asking purposeful questions. He used questions to teach, defend, challenge, make people think, meet people in their grief, and help center the stories of those who were often treated as outsiders.

• Jesus asked a lonely Samaritan woman at a well, “Will you give me a drink?” (John 4:7, NIV) and engaged her in conversation, revealing Himself for the first time as the Messiah.
• Jesus asked a chronically sick man, “Would you like to get well?” (John 5:6, NLT), having him consider what he believed before receiving healing.
• “But what about you? … Who do you say I am?” Jesus asked Peter in a poignant moment with His disciples before facing His death on the cross (Matthew 16:15, NIV).
• After His resurrection, Jesus asked two unassuming men on the road to Emmaus: “What are you discussing so intently as you walk along?” (Luke 24:17a, NLT).

Jesus modeled how to use thoughtful questions to foster understanding, build relationships and deepen faith among the people around Him.

During Holy Week, the chief priests and elders came to Jesus and challenged His authority to turn the tables in the temple and teach the gospel. Jesus didn’t argue but responded to their questions with a pointed question:

“I will also ask you one question. If you answer me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. John’s baptism—where did it come from? Was it from heaven, or of human origin?” (Matthew 21:24-25a, NIV).

The leaders were stumped. They knew if they answered that John’s baptism was from heaven, Jesus would ask why they didn’t believe him. They also knew if they answered “human origin,” then their own people, who believed in John the Baptist as a prophet, would turn against them. They had maliciously hoped to trap Jesus with their challenges, but instead He trapped them in their questioning.

Friend, can you think of a time in your life when you were unsure of how to handle a situation?

When you experienced something frustrating or witnessed an injustice?

When you longed to overcome a rift in a relationship?

Jesus isn’t scared of our questions or doubts; in fact, He welcomes them. Questions are a powerful way to engage, respectfully challenge and even care for others. Don’t underestimate the power of a question.

Dear God, please give me wisdom in the difficult situations I’m facing today. Help me to form thoughtful questions, and give me the courage to ask them. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young offers a weekly Glorygram, which includes encouragement for chasing God’s glory on life’s unexpected trails as well as great resources for friends navigating grief.

You can also follow her on Instagram @DorinaGilmore for daily glimpses of His glory.

FOR DEEPER STUDY

Luke 5:21-22, “And the scribes and the Pharisees began to question, saying, ‘Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?’ When Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answered them, ‘Why do you question in your hearts?’” (ESV).

Jesus perceived the challenging thoughts of the scribes and Pharisees and responded to them with a question. Are you feeling opposition in your life? Instead of lashing out or arguing, how could you ask a thoughtful question and listen to the other person’s answer?

We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments.

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