As a public school teacher, you learn quickly (or should) to ask questions before deciding the punishment of misbehaving students.  What you observed from a distance might be totally different than what you thought at first when you question the opponents with a mind to understand what it really going on.  It could they are on the same team but do not understand each other and need clarification of intent.  Sometimes it is misinterpreting the rules of the game they’re playing.  And sometimes one is right and one is wrong. 

As the Teacher you must ask questions so the students can say out loud what they are thinking.  This does two things.  First by saying it out loud they hear themselves expressing their true feelings.  In other words, questions teach.  Secondly, they express what they are really wanting to be and do.  The Teacher can then use the situation with more understanding to teach a life lesson.

Jesus is the Master Teacher.  His questions convict and clarify what is really going on by getting the heart of the matter.  His questions alone declare who holds the authority.

Mark 11, The Message

His Credentials

^27-28 Then when they were back in Jerusalem once again, as they were walking through the Temple, the high priests, religion scholars, and leaders came up and demanded, “Show us your credentials. Who authorized you to speak and act like this?”

^29-30 Jesus responded, “First let me ask you a question. Answer my question and then I’ll present my credentials. About the baptism of John—who authorized it: heaven or humans? Tell me.”

^31-33 They were on the spot, and knew it. They pulled back into a huddle and whispered, “If we say ‘heaven,’ he’ll ask us why we didn’t believe John; if we say ‘humans,’ we’ll be up against it with the people because they all hold John up as a prophet.” They decided to concede that round to Jesus. “We don’t know,” they said.

Jesus replied, “Then I won’t answer your question either.”

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

Go ahead, question Jesus, the Master Teacher, Savior, and Lord all you want!  Be honest.  Be sincere.  But be ready for Him to question our motives.  (Ouch).  Jesus teaches us life lessons all day long!

Guided by God’s Holy Spirit, I think the questions He will ask us are:

• Do I really believe what God says about Himself and His Son really real?
• Do I really believe Jesus paid the price for the punishment I deserve for all my sins?
• Do I really believe Jesus died and then three days later came back to life, scars and all, to defeat death forever for all of us?
• Do I really believe Jesus then walked on earth in His risen, nail scarred body for his followers to see and touch?
• Do I really believe He is with me always, knows my every thought, knows what I need before I know I need it and helps me?
• Do I really realize the depth of love and compassion He has for me?

Pause, pray, reflect, let us examine our own hearts as we ponder our responses.

Know this:  When all is thought, said. and done; it is our behaviors that will show the true desires of our hearts.

“Keep vigilant watch over your heart; that’s where life starts. Don’t talk out of both sides of your mouth; avoid careless banter, white lies, and gossip. Keep your eyes straight ahead; ignore all sideshow distractions. Watch your step, and the road will stretch out smooth before you. Look neither right nor left; leave evil in the dust.”                  Proverbs 4:23, MSG

In other words—

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”       Proverbs 4:23, NIV

Lord,

Your are the Absolute Authority.  After ascending back to heaven, You gave your authority to us to tell your story of redemption so others will know you, too.  May we tell it, tendered by your love in us.  Cleanse our hearts, renew our minds, remove what offends you in us, refresh and reset our souls with your new mercies for today, and restore the joy and peace of your salvation at work within us.  I believe.  I really believe you.

In Jesus Name, For Your Glory, Amen