Yesterday kicked off our first “Trivia Tuesday – No Trivial Pursuit.” I hope we can all learn something from the questions directed at Jesus, and the questions that Jesus asked.
I may be the host, but the answers don’t come from me. They will come from the Father, the greatest quiz master of all time. The answers will not be my interpretations, but direct quotes from God Himself (through His Word). I will give some commentary on each answer, pertaining to my life (and possibly yours).
Yesterday’s category:
“Questions the Disciples Asked”
1) Disciples, “Why was this man born blind? Was it a result of his own sins or those of his parents?” (John 9:2)*
Answer from God’s Word:
“Neither,” Jesus answered. “But to demonstrate the power of God. All of us must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent me, for there is little time left before the night falls and all work comes to an end. But while I am still here in the world, I give it my light” (John 9:3–5).
COMMENTS: I’ve had a number of afflictions in my life. From battling depression as a teenager, then again in my mid-thirties, to a lung condition that makes me high-risk to the Coronavirus. It’s encouraging to know that each affliction I’ve had is not the result of my sins or those of my ancestors. It’s also good to know that living as “sin-free” as possible does not equate good health. As I look back, I’m thankful to see how these afflictions have brought glory to God.
2) James and John, “Master, shall we order fire down from heaven to burn them up?” (Luke 9:54).
Answer from God’s Word:
“Jesus turned and rebuked them” (Luke 9:55).
COMMENTS: Bringing fire down on God’s enemies is only reserved for God. It's a reminder that judgment belongs to God and not to us – for He did say, “Love your enemies.”
3) Peter, “Sir, how often should I forgive a brother who sins against me? Seven times?” (Matt 18:21).
Answer from God’s Word:
“No!” Jesus replied, “seventy times seven!” (Matt 18:22).
COMMENTS: At the heart of the Christ’s ministry is forgiveness. We know that forgiving each other is hard and definitely not always instant, especially over and over. But, striving to forgive, as Jesus has forgiven us, is the goal.
4) Nathaniel, “How do you know what I am like?” (John 1:48).
Answer from God’s Word:
“I could see you under the fig tree before Philip found you” (John 1:48).
COMMENTS: Nathaniel replied to Jesus with this, “Sir, you are the Son of God—the King of Israel!” (v. 49). Jesus knew me long before I knew Him. It may be unnerving to know that we cannot hide from God, but it must also bring tremendous comfort to know that in our complete “nakedness,” He loves us anyway!
5) Thomas, “We haven’t any idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?” (John 14:5).
Answer from God’s Word:
Jesus told him, “I am the Way—yes, and the Truth and the Life. No one can get to the Father except by means of me. If you had known who I am, then you would have known who my Father is. From now on you know him—and have seen him!” (John 14:6–7).
COMMENT: A reminder that Jesus is God and the only way to see the Father (or Heaven) is to know Jesus.
May your day be blessed with “Answers from God.”
*All Scriptures have been quoted from The Living Bible.