What does Jesus' question in Mark 10:36 reveal about His teaching method? Text of Mark 10:36 “ ‘What do you want Me to do for you?’ ” Seeing the Teaching Strategy in Action • Jesus already knew James and John’s intentions (cf. John 2:24–25), yet He invited them to voice their request. • By placing the initiative back on the disciples, He exposed their ambition before addressing it (Mark 10:37–40). • The question created a pause—a moment for self-reflection—before Jesus delivered corrective truth about servant leadership (Mark 10:42–45). Why Jesus Teaches Through Questions • Draws out the heart – Proverbs 20:5: motives lie deep; questions help “draw them out.” – Luke 18:41: same question to Bartimaeus highlights personal faith. • Encourages ownership of truth – Mark 8:27–29: “Who do you say I am?” moves disciples from hearsay to conviction. • Prepares listeners for revelation – John 6:5–6: His question about bread set the stage for revealing Himself as the Bread of Life. • Models relational engagement – Genesis 3:9 shows God’s pattern of asking, not because He lacks information, but to invite confession and communion. How This Approach Shapes Disciples • Exposes wrong assumptions so they can be corrected. • Transforms ambition into service (Mark 10:43–45). • Cultivates humility by making learners articulate their need. • Strengthens faith through active participation rather than passive reception. Implications for Us Today • Expect Scripture to question us before it answers us (Hebrews 4:12). • Bring desires into the open; transparency lets Christ refine them (Psalm 139:23–24). • Adopt the same conversational, heart-probing style when discipling others—asking, listening, then guiding with the Word. |
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