Followers of Jesus confidently proclaim that Jesus is the answer.

I believe that.

But it is fascinating to see how Jesus, the one with all the answers, dealt with those who asked Him questions. The Gospels record 183 times that Jesus is asked a question. He directly answered only three. That is not a typo. Three.

If you want to do a little extra credit homework they are John 18:37, Luke 11:1, and Matthew 22:36-37. I was more that a little surprised when I first learned of those numbers.

The Gospels also note that Jesus asked 307 questions. There is clearly something to be gleaned from these numbers. Without a doubt I believe that Jesus knew the answers. He also knew the heart and motives of the questioners. So why in the world would he deflect and ask a question instead of just answering directly with the perfect wisdom of God?

The technique Jesus used most often was answering a question with a question. My feeling is that Jesus responded that way because He understood the nature of man. Many (if not most) of the questioners had already reached a conclusion before asking. Jesus knew that a perfectly timed question would often help validate a point that needed to be made. Sometimes the question exposed the hypocrisy of the interrogator. Perhaps the most important reason was answering a thoughtful query forced the people asking the question to think.

One of the three questions Jesus answered directly from the list above was when a disciple asked “will you teach us how to pray”? I believe Jesus responding to questions with a question was likewise teaching us how to more effectively share the truth we so desperately desire to communicate.

Jesus is teaching us to listen and initiate honest conversation. If a follower of Jesus comes across as a know it all it can diminish the grace Jesus offers to anyone seeking Him. Engaging in caring conversation opens the door to speak truth without condemnation.

Jesus opened the door and invited those who were actually seeking answers to come inside and learn. Often His honest questions exposed those whose goal was to deny who Jesus said He was.

Matthew described a moment when some religious leaders tried to shame the disciples of Jesus with this question.

Then some Pharisees and teachers of the law came to Jesus from Jerusalem and asked, “Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They don’t wash their hands before they eat!”

I can picture the smug expressions on the faces of the Pharisees. They did not see this question coming.

Jesus replied, “And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition?” (Matthew 15:1-3)

Jesus redirected a legalistic accusation into a question about the motivation of the Pharisee’s hearts. Powerful.

A question that Jesus asked His disciples rocked my early career desire to seek money and power.

“And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?” (Mark 8:36-37, NLT)

Whoa! Wait! That was an important question I had to consider. As I have added considerable mileage to my spiritual journey odometer I have seen the answer to that question revealed so clearly. There is nothing in this world that matters more than the hope I have in Jesus for my eternal home and for the heavenly reunion with so many dear to me.

But the most important question that Jesus asked in my humble opinion was recorded in Matthew 16. Jesus asked his disciples who the general population thought he was. They replied that some thought he was John the Baptist. Some felt he might be Elijah, Jeremiah, or another one of the prophets.

I can picture Jesus listening intently and then asking the most important question any of us will ever answer.

“But who do you say I am?”

I tried to dodge that question for a period of time but I finally came to believe the response that Peter gave to Jesus.

Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you.”

Everyone who responds in that way is blessed. I am so grateful for the sacrifice Jesus made for me. I am so grateful for His daily grace and patience with me. I want to follow the example of Jesus and not try to have all of my answers cued up and ready to show my theological knowledge. I want to listen, ask questions, show love, offer grace, and engage others in a conversation that leads to an honest discussion of the Good News of the Gospel. I want to ask the kind of questions my Savior would ask and do it with His caring love.