questioning Jesus, the gospel of Mark

questioning Jesus, his principles

As we come to the mid-point of ‘questioning Jesus’ series, I would like to develop on analytic summary on how Jesus develop questioning in his teaching life.

Here, in review, are major 5 teaching principles from our discussions of Mark 1 – 10.

• principle: Jesus answered questions from Pharisees and other teachers with a question ( Mark 10:1 – 3 )

• principle: Jesus has an essential question embedded underneath his initial question? ( Mark 9: 23 “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” )

• principle: Jesus wants his followers to ask questions of him; to not be afraid. ( Mark 9: 32 )

• principle: Jesus holds back his ‘why’ questions because he asks basic factual questions ( who, what, when, where )to open thinking, to open relationships ( Mark 2 )

• principle: Jesus most generous questioning, both asked by him and to him by others, are his ‘how’ questions- how to pray; how to cast out demons; how to believe.

Just as seeds fall into the ground, change, grow, and give new life, so do questions. Jesus’ questions sow life. Living, giving, multiplying life.

Ask, listen. Live.

Tags: principles, questioning principles of Jesus