What role does questioning play in deepening our faith according to Luke 10:26? Setting the Scene in Luke 10:26 • An expert in the Law tests Jesus by asking how to inherit eternal life (Luke 10:25). • Jesus responds, “ ‘What is written in the Law?’ Jesus replied. ‘How do you read it?’ ” (Luke 10:26). • Instead of giving an immediate answer, the Lord invites the man to look back to God’s written Word and to articulate his personal understanding of it. Jesus Models the Power of a Question • Directs attention to Scripture first, underscoring its final authority. • Draws the listener into active engagement rather than passive reception. • Exposes the motives and assumptions of the heart (cf. Hebrews 4:12). • Establishes a relational, dialog-style learning environment that mirrors Deuteronomy 6:6-7. How Questioning Deepens Faith • Promotes Personal Ownership – Faith is strengthened when beliefs are stated and defended from Scripture. • Encourages Careful Reading – A question like “How do you read it?” pushes beyond surface familiarity and sparks deeper study (Psalm 119:97). • Reveals Areas Needing Alignment – Honest inquiry highlights where thoughts or actions diverge from God’s truth (James 1:22-25). • Cultivates Humility – Recognizing that one must seek answers in God’s Word keeps pride in check (Proverbs 3:5-6). • Fosters Dialogue with the Lord – Following Christ’s pattern, believers keep an open conversation with Him through the written Word and prayerful reflection (John 15:7). Scriptural Echoes of God-Honoring Questions • Genesis 3:9 — God asks Adam, “Where are you?” exposing need and drawing him out. • 1 Kings 19:9 — The Lord asks Elijah, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” prompting self-examination. • Matthew 16:15 — Jesus asks the disciples, “Who do you say I am?” leading to Peter’s confession. • Acts 17:11 — The Bereans “examined the Scriptures daily” to verify Paul’s teaching, demonstrating noble questioning. Practical Ways to Incorporate Questioning in Daily Study • Read a passage twice, then write out what it plainly says and what it means. • Compare cross-references, noting where Scripture interprets Scripture. • Summarize doctrine found in the text using supporting verses. • Invite mature believers to review conclusions for biblical accuracy. • Apply findings immediately, turning insight into obedience (John 13:17). Summary By echoing Jesus’ pattern in Luke 10:26, purposeful questioning rooted in Scripture invites deeper understanding, uncovers the state of the heart, and solidifies faith on the sure foundation of God’s unchanging Word. |
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