Jesus’ seven essential questions

BY RAYMOND M MWANGALA OMI

Asking the right question is often seen as a sign of wisdom. However, those who ask profound questions usually suffer persecution and harassment.

During his life on earth Jesus raised many questions which today may rightly be described as philosophical. They made people uncomfortable. But these are questions which always lead to the deeper truths of life. In fact, Jesus’ whole life can be seen as a series of questions raised about the world.

John’s gospel has Jesus asking many questions which, taken together, make up the most important questions of life. Fr Gerald O’Collins, in Jesus: A Portrait (2008), offers an interesting perspective on Jesus the questioner.

Here are seven questions from John’s gospel which we need to hear asked again.

What are you looking for? (Jn 1:38). At one level this question of Jesus seems straightforward and easy to answer; the two disciples of John want to know where he stays. But then, is this what they really want? Is this what they are really looking for in life? Is this their most fundamental aspiration and intention? The question points to something deeper and more profound. Indeed, where does the Lord stay? Do you want to know where he stays? “Come and see” (1:39).

Will you also go away? Confronted with the difficult teaching on the bread of life, some of his followers abandon Jesus. He turns to the disciples and asks: “Will you also go away?” (6:67). Will you run away from the difficult truth which confronts you? This question goes beyond simply physically walking away. It points to betrayal, as would eventually happen to Jesus. Jesus asks: Will you betray me as well? When the going gets tough, to whom do you go?

Do you believe this? Jesus asks Martha and Mary: Do you believe that I can raise your brother from the dead? (11:25-26). Rising from the dead! Do you really believe in the resurrection? Do you believe that God can do this for you? There is a deeper meaning to the question: Do you believe that I am God? What is the most significant value in your life? Is there anything God cannot do for you? Is there a limit beyond which God is not welcome?

Do you know what I have done to you? At the Last Supper, Jesus gets up from table, pours water into a basin and washes the disciples’ feet. Then he asks: Do you know what I have done to you? (13:12).What has he done? It is more than the physical act of washing feet or an example of servant leadership. It points to what Jesus has done and is doing for those who have a relationship with him—to salvation. Do you really understand what he has done for you? He died for you!

Have I been with you this long, and yet you do not know me? To the question, show us the Father, Jesus responds with another question (14:8-9): Do you not know me yet? Who am I? Who am I to you?

Why are you weeping? Who are you looking for? Why does Mary weep at the tomb? (20:15). What has she lost? Why look among the dead for the living? Why do we weep? Why do you laugh? What is life all about?

Do you love me? (21:15-17). What is the meaning of love? Are human beings capable of love? Does it mean warm feelings of affection or sacrifice, pain and the cross? Why should love cause so much suffering and pain? Is love the cause of suffering and pain? Do you love me? Will you lay down your life for me?

Fr O’Collins wrote: “Taken together, these questions make up a list of the truly great questions of life; not only for followers of Jesus but also for others”. They merit closer reading and deep reflection.