Do You Have Any Questions?

My eleventh grade American History teacher had an unusual teaching method. His technique was to give us a list of words and phrases—the Boston Massacre, George Washington, the First Continental Congress, “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death,” and so on—from each chapter of the textbook. His tests required writing short definitions for each item. An essential component of his method included asking questions. We were to read the assigned material, and, if we didn’t understand what we read, we were to bring it up in class.

I remember doing poorly on a test. When he returned my paper with a failing grade, my teacher asked meaningfully, 

“Do you have any questions, Stan?” His method worked. I’ve been asking questions ever since.

Questions work with the Bible too. Whether it’s to prepare a Bible study, to preach a sermon, or to spend time in relaxed contemplation, it’s important to wonder. Luke 8:1-3 provides a good example.

“After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Cuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.” (NIV)

The first phrase, “After this…” reminds us to consider the context: To ask, after what? Where have Jesus and his fellow-travelers been? What have they been doing? Envision the people, places, and incidents along the way. What was it like to hear the centurion say, “Lord . . . say the word, and my servant will be healed.”? How would you describe your feelings when the widow of Nain received her son back from the dead? What was it like to hear the disciples of John the Baptist ask our Lord, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” (All of those incidents are recorded in Luke 7.)

How far back in Luke’s Gospel do you need to go to get a clear sense of the situation? How does the longer perspective guide your understanding?

How far do you need to fast-forward? Do you have a sense of where Jesus is headed? How does his destination affect your outlook? How far will you go with Jesus?  

Now as we look at Luke 8, Jesus travels from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. What are Jesus’ sermons like? How would you describe “the good news of the kingdom of God”? How have people responded to his sermons?

What is your role in the journey? Do you work behind the scenes? Have you been given a message to proclaim?

There are women in the group who help support the pilgrimage, from their own means. How does the presence of women influence the journey? What difference does their background—healed of demons and diseases, rich and poor alike—make? Do you support Jesus’ ministry out of your own means?

Too many questions? It could take a week or more to answer all of them. Do you need some help from fellow-travelers? So much the better.

How is your pilgrimage with Jesus going? Do you need to simplify your life to enjoy the journey? What’s hindering you?

All good questions!

My American History teacher was an effective mentor. Surely I remember some of the facts we learned. But most of all I remember his method, applicable to my own journey with Jesus.

© Stan Bohall, September 21, 2015