Luke 2:46-47 “After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers.”

Knowing Jesus’ later life, it is interesting to ponder what types of questions he might have been asking those religious leaders. As the son of God, surely he knew the scriptures. It says they were amazed not only by his understanding but also by his answers. Sounds like he was answering as well as asking questions. When confronted by his parents a short time later, he would ask them “Didn’t you know I would be about my Father’s business?” Asking and answering questions was his business. Before people can change, they must first question themselves as to whether there needs to be a change. This requires comparing where they are with where they could/should be. Then, if it is decided a change is needed, this leads to more questions about ‘changes to what’ and ‘how to bring about these changes’. Asking the right questions will lead to right answers which will lead to life changes! Jesus asked probing, penetrating questions that made people uncomfortable. Uncomfortable because the truth is like a mirror and people often prefer who they think they are to who they really are. To get to the right answers, we must be willing to answer the right questions honestly.

Pray: “Dearest Father, when I need answers I want the truth. While it might make me uneasy to know the truth, I don’t want my life to be based on false perceptions of myself. Help me to know the right questions, Lord, and guide me to the right answers. Help me to lead myself well so that my actions will always be based on the truth – in Jesus’ wonderful name I pray – Amen.”