Q & A

A disciple once came to a Rabbi asking. "Why is it every time I come asking questions that you would answer my questions with a question?". The rabbi answered, "How then shall I answer?".

Answering questions with a question is something that's not unfamiliar with  our Lord Jesus. Facing off the Pharisees and teachers of the law in Matthew 15:1-3 who asked why Jesus's disciples would break the traditions of the elders by not washing their hands before a meal, Jesus answered with a question: "Why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition?" Answering a question with a question has value in it. There is more value in teaching a person how to fish than merely providing the fish.

When a question is asked, a process is started. The process is more important than the end product. I read about a farmer who once produced the best fruits in the market. Year after year he would focus on the packaging, the volume and the distribution of the fruits. Then came a time when the demand for his fruits began to dwindle. By the time he realized his mistakes he had already made his losses. While concentrating on the fruits, he had forgot about the trees. As long as the trees kept producing fruits he was satisfied. But trees need tending to in order to produce better harvest. So yes. If God were to answer your questions today with a question, be grateful. Growth is a process. Learning is essential for survival. The process is just as important as the product. One can never end without a starting point.

Asking right questions start a process that will lead you to better answers. It's not better answers we need today but rather better questions. I am of the opinion that is why Jesus answer questions with a question. One of the manifold blessings of God is this: we don't know all things. God created the universe for us to explore. How can we explore, uncover, understand, solve mysteries, unless we seek answers. And how then can we seek answers if not for questioning? Last week I spoke on "Asking right questions". Here's the gist; learn to ask right questions. Cos better questions lead to better answers and you will only have answers to the questions you asked ☺