Learning from the Questions of Jesus

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Psalm 19:14

 

 The Samaritan woman journeyed to the well outside of town. It was noon, a time of day when others were rarely there. Because of her tarnished background, she avoided the people in town. As she approached, she noticed a Jewish man resting beside the well. She did not speak to him, but she must have wondered why he was there. Jews despised Samaritans and avoided traveling through their country.

As she went to draw water, the man spoke to her. This man was Jesus. He did not speak in a condescending way, as others often spoke to her. Instead, He merely asked a question: “Will you give me a drink?” (John 4:7) A simple question led to a conversation in which Jesus revealed Himself as the Living Water and the Messiah. The woman believed and was instantly changed. She ran to the people of the town, testifying of Jesus.

Jesus asked a very simple question based on something He and the woman had in common—the need for water. With that question Jesus tore down a racial barrier that had stood for centuries. With His question He showed compassion to a woman who was despised by others. This question led to a conversation that transformed the woman’s life.

You and I daily encounter people who are in need. They are in need of compassion and love, and they are in need of the truth. A question is a wonderful tool that can be used by God to open a door into a person’s soul. With a purposefully worded question, you and I can spark a conversation that might result in a person’s transformation.

Lord, You are the Master at asking the right question at the right time. Will You help me listen to the prompting of Your Holy Spirit and guide me to ask questions that are sincere and purposeful? Show me the things I have in common with others, and use me to impart Your truth.  

Jan Burkhart