A scene saturated with miracles brings us to one final question from Jesus at the end of the Gospel of John. But before we go there, allow me to share my personal journey with Biblical questions.
When we lived in Budapest and as our three children grew from childhood to adolescence and into young adulthood, they asked penetrating questions; and they expected authentic answers. This dynamic revealed a deep need for my own growth.
On my knees, in raw honesty before God, I prayed, “Lord, I cannot lead them where I have not walked. With every fiber of my being, I long to be authentic before them and be obedient to You. I ache for real answers to real questions—not just for my teenagers—but also for myself.”
In this pilgrim’s pursuit, God took me to His Word and the passage in Mark 12:28-30, not for the question, but rather, for His answer to the question.
“One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked Him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”
“The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’”
And years later, I make my home in His response. If Jesus called this commandment “The Most Important”, then it needs to be the North Star for my life.
Engaging with that question-and-answer dialog led to an insatiable desire to become a student of the questions we discover in Scripture. Not surprisingly, my quest stirs within me a keen interest in the topic: The Questions of Jesus.
So, this summer, will you please join me on the shores of Lake Galilee for a breakfast conversation between Jesus and Peter. (John 21:1-24)?
In Parts 2 and 3 we will consider: Divine Realities, Divine Intervention, Divine Invitation, Divine Conversation, Divine Instruction, and Divine Destiny. May our time together please our Saviour and feed your soul. This content originated in Bob Tiede’s recent book, 340 Questions Jesus Asked, where it was my privilege to contribute Chapter 6.
Living With Eternal Intentionality®
“And this is eternal life, that they may know You the only true God, and Jesus Christ
whom You have sent” (John 17:3).
When is the last time you enjoyed time with the Lord in an outdoor setting? Consider the opportunity summer affords for you to enjoy Jesus in the beauty of His creation.
Note: Living with Eternal Intentionality® will appear once a month for June, July and August. In the fall we will resume our regular schedule.
