The Word of God is living and effective (Hebrews 4:12)! That means God is speaking to you through Scripture right now. The questions Jesus asked back then are relevant to you today. He’s not just asking Peter or Paul or the Pharisees these questions; in some way, He is also asking you. 

When beginning this project, I thought it would make a nice list of twenty-some reflective questions for us to explore. For some reason, I forgot just how many rhetorical, direct, and interesting questions Jesus asked…

There are much more than twenty-some! They are a great opportunity to take Jesus’ questions to prayer. The questions remind us that He wants a relationship with us, to converse with us through prayer every day.

Questions Jesus Asks Us | Gospel Of Mark

For your reflection, here are the questions Jesus asks us in Mark, using the New American Bible Revised Edition:

“Do you not understand this parable? Then how will you understand any of the parables?” (Mark 4:13)

Jesus asks this after the Parable of the Sower. The Twelve Apostles and the other disciples then ask Him about His parables.

Do you have someone or a small group to help you understand Jesus’ teachings?

“Is a lamp brought in to be placed under a bushel basket or under a bed, and not to be placed on a lampstand?” (Mark 4:21)

Jesus tells us the Parable of the Lamp, explaining that what is hidden must be revealed and secrets shown.

Do you bring light into darkness as a Christian or are you hiding?

“Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?” (Mark 4:40)

Jesus calms the storm and asks His disciples when they were so frightened. 

When do you think God is “napping” through your storms? (Try the Litany of Trust.)

“Why this commotion and weeping?” (Mark 5:39)

Jesus heals the little girl after asking this and stating that she is just asleep.

When tragedy strikes, do you allow chaos to reign or find the peace of Jesus?

“Why does this generation seek a sign?” (Mark 8:12)

Jesus “sighed from the depth of His Spirit” after the Pharisees bothered Him for a sign. 

What do you demand Jesus prove for you to believe in Him?

“Do you see anything?” (Mark 8:23)

Healing the blind man at Bethsaida, Jesus lays hands on the blind man a second time to fully clear his vision. 

Do you ever need to regroup or go on a retreat to see clearly?

“…how is it written regarding the Son of Man that He must suffer greatly and be treated with contempt?” (Mark 9:12)

Jesus explains that Elijah has already come because John the Baptist is the “new Elijah.” Jesus continues explaining that Jesus’ own suffering is what is next to be fulfilled.

How much time do you spend with Scripture and see its meaning in your relationship with God?

“What are you arguing about with them?” (Mark 9:16)

Jesus asks a boy’s father, who has a possessed son that the disciples could not cure. 

When have you argued with God about something and learned that the problem was your lack of faith?

“How long has this been happening?” (Mark 9:21)

Jesus asks the father about the boy with the spirit possessing him. Since the boy’s childhood, the spirit had made the boy have fits, foam at the mouth, and throw himself into fire and water.

How long have you been suffering and with what?

“What were you arguing about on the way?” (Mark 9:33)

Jesus lets the disciples argue about who is greatest and teaches that whoever wants to be first will be last. 

What has your pride tricked you into an argument over? Was the argument worth engaging in?

“What did Moses command you?” (Mark 10:3)

Jesus teaches about marriage and divorce when asked about matters of lawful divorce.

What teachings of the Church (divorce, sexuality, fertility…) do you grapple with?

“Is it not written: ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all people?’ ” (Mark 11:17)

Jesus cleanses the temple, driving out those who made it a marketplace by selling sacrificial animals for profit. 

How does your community make sure the church is a place of prayer and a place for all people to meet God?

“Are you not misled because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God?” (Mark 12:24)

The Sadducees do not believe in life after death. Jesus talks to them about the resurrection. 

When have you been misled in your faith journey because you need better understanding?

“Do you see these great buildings?” (Mark 13:2)

Jesus foretells the destruction of the temple. 

What worldly things seem too big but pale in comparison to the power of Christ?

“Where is My guest room where I may eat the Passover with My disciples?” (Mark 14:14)

Jesus, as a Jew, participates in the Passover celebration and gives the disciples instructions to prepare. 

What traditions do you (or could you) keep, practicing the faith?

Image: Photo by Manuel Rheinschmidt on Unsplash