Why does God ask questions

Hmm. God knows everything. God asks questions. Doesn’t this seem rather strange? If God does know everything, why does He ask questions? Asking questions is often a helpful way to find out new information, but did you know that questions serve purposes other than helping you learn something? Questions give people the opportunity to learn, share, think and grow. In reading the Bible, there are many exchanges where the Creator of the universe uses questions to speak into lives of people. God knew where Adam was hiding in the garden, but he still asks, “Where are you?” (Genesis 3:9). Jesus, being fully God and a master teacher asks questions all through the Gospels. In Matthew 16:13-16 we see such an account: “When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus is surrounded by a group of His disciples who have walked and ate with Him. They have seen Him perform miracles and teach amazing truths about living in relationship with God. He draws the disciples in by asking them to share what other people are saying about His identity. The disciples offer “the best of” what they have heard about “Who is Jesus?”: John the Baptist- back from the dead; the prophet Elijah or even Jeremiah, or maybe even another prophet. Then Jesus moves into another query as the question becomes more personal: “But what you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” He was not looking for the crowd’s answers, but their own response. What had they learned? What did they believe? How would they respond? I imagine there was a moment of silence and eyes looking around, when Simon Peter blurts out what he believes and knows about Jesus. Peter’s confession revealed that he believed Jesus was God and that Jesus was the only way to God. Jesus replied to Peter with words of affirmation as this truth was given to him by God and he had responded to it. Jesus continues to empower Peter with words about his character as he called him a “Rock” knowing full well that Peter would have his struggles. Jesus uses these questions to help Peter learn and respond to Him. So, what’s the real question? It’s not “Why does God ask questions?” or “Why does Jesus ask questions?” It’s “How can questions help people love and respond to Him?”

If Jesus were to ask you a question, what do you think he would ask? How would you respond?

 

Frank Alioto is the pastor of The River Covenant Church: “An Alaskan church for people who would rather go to the River.” We gather on Sundays, 10:30 AM at K-Beach Elementary in Soldotna. 252-2828 or www.therivercovenantchurch.org

More in Life

"Octopus" is an acrylic painting by new co-op member Heather Mann on display at Ptarmigan Arts in Homer, Alaska. Photo provided by Ptarmigan Arts
July First Friday in Homer

Homer’s galleries and public art spaces celebrate with new and ongoing exhibits.

Frank Rowley and his youngest child, Raymond, stand in knee-deep snow in front of the protective fence around the main substation for Mountain View Light & Power in Anchorage in 1948 or ’49. This photo was taken a year or two before Rowley moved to Kenai to begin supplying electrical power to the central peninsula. (Photo courtesy of the Rowley Family)
Let there be light: The electrifying Frank Rowley — Part 2

In July 1946, the soft-spoken Rowley was involved in an incident that for several consecutive days made the front page of the Anchorage Daily Times.

This nostalgic sauce is so shockingly simple, you’ll never buy a bottle again. Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion
America’s favorite culinary representative

The original recipe for ranch dressing was invented and perfected in Alaska, out in the bush in 1949.

Graphics show the nine finalists in three age groups for the Soldotna “I Voted” sticker design contest. (Provided by City of Soldotna)
Soldotna announces finalists for ‘I Voted’ sticker contest

Public voting will be open until July 20 to determine the winners.

Homer’s Cosmic Creature Club performs at the 2024 Concert on the Lawn at Karen Hornaday Park. (Emilie Springer/Homer News file)
July events to provide entertainment and fun on lower Kenai Peninsula

Events include the Highland Games, Concert on the Lawn, local art camps and the Ninilchik Rodeo.

Nick Varney
Unhinged Alaska: Flashback dreams and the cold sweats

When summer arrives, every personage in the known cosmos suddenly seems to remember that they have kindred living in Alaska.

File
Minister’s Message: Freedom is not what you think

If freedom isn’t what we first think it is, what is it?

This is the Kenai Power complex. The long side of the plant faces the Frank Rowley home, seen here at the right side of the photograph. (Photo courtesy of the Rowley Family)
Let there be light: The electrifying Frank Rowley — Part 1

Frank Rowley made one of the most important steps toward modernization in the history of Kenai.

This cake stacks colored crepes for a brilliant rainbow breakfast. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)
Crepes of a different color

This rainbow cake celebrates Pride with layers of colored crepes.

”Thread of Light” is an acrylic painting done this year by Dan Coe on display through June at the Art Shop Gallery in Homer, Alaska. Photo by Christina Whiting
Fine art in invented spaces

Anchor Point artist showcases his skills with exhibit of acrylic paintings.

A variety of peony blooms grow vibrantly on Pioneer Avenue on Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Homer, Alaska. (Delcenia Cosman/Homer News)
6th annual Peony Celebration begins July 1

The festival will run in Homer through Aug. 17.