Questions of Jesus - when there could have just been a tell...
Let's continue our study on how Jesus regularly used questions. (He also really liked stories - are you seeing that?)
Here are some of the questions Jesus used when He could have just made statements.
Then Jesus said to them, “I ask you, which is lawful on the Sabbath day: to do good or to do evil, to save a life or to destroy it?” Luke 6:9
They had no money to pay what they owed, but the banker told both of them they did not have to pay him. Which person will love the banker more?” Luke 7:42
A pair of my personal favorites that we talk more about in coach training:
One time when Jesus was praying alone, his followers were with him, and he asked them, “Who do the people say I am?” Luke 9:18
Then Jesus asked, “But who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Christ from God.” Luke 9:20
Let's take a closer look at this last example for today. Jesus is talking to the man we know as the rich young ruler who asks Him what he must to to inherit eternal life and Jesus answers him with a question.
Jesus said, “What is written in the law? What do you read there?” Luke 10:26
27 The man answered, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.”[g] Also, “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.”[h]
28 Jesus said to him, “Your answer is right. Do this and you will live.”
29 But the man, wanting to show the importance of his question, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”
Jesus shares the parable of the Good Samaritan and finishes with another question of His own.
Then Jesus said, “Which one of these three men do you think was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by the robbers?” Luke 10:36
Jesus often shared His paradigm shift of what the Kingdom of God was like by offering the power of an "Aha" moment by using questions and allowing people to come to answers on their own.
Questions are not the only way to help people grow, but they are certainly a way that sticks. When we come to understand an idea, choose a goal, or make a decision by discerning what the Spirit of God is revealing to us personally, the impact is much higher.
When have you come to an "Aha" moment through a conversational question?
Learning to help others to discern is what the Spirit is saying to them is what good coaching is all about! Coach training gives you tools and teaches you how to use them! Plus - you get to be coached yourself! Learn more here!