Then Jesus said to them, “I ask you which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to serve life or destroy it?”
In schools, work, or home we can talk about the importance of questions. The importance of communication. Questions can drive learning. We understand that in our questions we can connect with a person and get to know that persons thoughts, feelings, and experiences based on an answer. Paul and Elder (2000) state that ‘Thinking is not driven by answers but by questions. Had no questions been asked by those who laid the foundation for a field…the field would never have developed in the first place’. In order to keep a field of thought (or a concept/topic) alive teachers have to constantly ask questions of it, rather than simply allowing that field to close down. Teachers are then able to challenge existing or established answers through questioning to challenge students’ (people’s) thinking. Jesus asks great questions! He made people question their prior beliefs. Even better, Jesus modeled and shares even better answers!
I was once given a document back on 2015 from Dr. J.K. Jones (I believe) that shared 176 questions Jesus asked. I often look at this list and think of the stories behind each question. The lives transformed from a question asked. I’ve attached it to the bottom to reflect on. Jesus our greatest teacher asks many questions that connect with us all the time. Luke chapter 6 has a few questions and a few answers that can help guide us not only today but for our earthly lifetime until we are called back home with Him. So if we were to do a short Q & A from this today’s reading here’s how it may go.
Q: Should we do good or evil? Serve life or destroy it?
A: Jesus heals a persons hand on the Sabbath, He changed the minds of others who focused only on the law. (verse 3-5 & 9-10)
Q: Who does Jesus call to be disciples?
A: Jesus calls everyone. From all walks of life. All Twelve apostles had a story. They each had different backgrounds and when Jesus called them, they listened. Ordinary people with an extra-ordinary calling. (verse 12-16, Isaiah 45:22)
Q: Who should we love as we align ourselves with Jesus?
A: Jesus tells us to love everyone. Our neighbor, our enemies. (verse 27-28, 35 Matthew 5:43, Romans 12:10)
Q: Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brothers eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?
A: Jesus says do not judge, do not condemn, and forgive. (verse 37, Matthew 7:1-5)
The best part about our reading today and talking about the importance of questions is the knowledge that in every answer, we can say Jesus!
Dear Lord, We thank you and praise you for your love and grace. We ask for continued love and guidance always and that in the questions that are asked of us daily, we can answer Jesus. You fill us with joy and love and you ask us to show and share this love with others. Jesus help us to understand the answer to our questions is you. We love you! Amen
