Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Matthew 22:37-39 NIV
"Jesus replied." In reading, we often take for granted that Jesus responded to questions. Sometimes the questions were honest inquiries or asked by doubters requiring proof, yet at other times they were meant to try and trip Jesus up. For example, the question asked by the Pharisee that prompted this reply was meant to entrap, “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” (22:36). Jesus could have ignored the question, it would have perhaps been safer for him to do so, but in his response, we received this new commandment that is one of the tenants of our faith.
We all have questions for Jesus today. "Why is there cancer? Why do young people die? Why isn't my prayer being answered?" There are no queries too challenging or too personal for Jesus; he listens intently and carefully to our questions and replies. The timing may not be instantaneous, it may not be the answer we want, or it may be an invitation to look for the solution in scripture. But be assured Jesus will answer.
God, we give thanks that you invite questions and you reply. We confess sometimes we hesitate to ask questions. We feel they are too small, too personal, or even show our doubt. But you are an individual and intimate God and desire deep and meaningful dialogue with us who listens and answer our questions. Father, we bring all our questions to you right now with confidence you will answer. Please help us to be attentive to your reply. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Peace,
Pastor Tim
