Mission Venture Ministries

“When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” He asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by My Father in heaven” (Matthew 16:13-17). 

We need to ask probing questions as Jesus did – ‘Who do people say the Son of Man is?’ There were a range of answers that were spinning in the minds of the common Jewish folk at that time. Some said that He was John the Baptist, others Elijah or Jeremiah or one of the prophets. 

If that same question were asked of society today we also would get a whole range of answers. Some see Him as a great teacher or leader but nothing more. Others see Him as a Prophet but not as the son of God. And atheists may say that He didn’t even exist! There would be a range of answers to that question. 

The key question is not what others say about Jesus, but what do you say about who He is? All of mankind will have to stand before the Lord one day and the question will not be what did others say about Jesus, but what did you believe? Peter’s answer was spot on… ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God!’ Peter knew that Jesus was the Messiah but he also knew that He was God’s very own Son. This truth, Jesus said, is only revealed by His Father in Heaven. 

Can you, like Peter answer this question with absolute certainty? If not, read the Bible, pray and ask God to open your eyes and reveal this truth to your soul! 

The Lord Jesus Christ was the greatest evangelist the world has ever known. Therefore, if we are going to be effective witnesses for Christ and His Gospel, it would be wise for us to follow His example of asking questions. 

In the four Gospels, our Lord asked hundreds of questions to challenge people in their spiritual knowledge and understanding. His questions were effective in initiating conversations, building relationships, challenging people to think, and leading them to arrive at the right answer. When Jesus was He asked a question, He often responded with another question rather than give an answer. His questions caused people to reflect on what is really important in this life and what will happen after death if they do not place their trust in Him. 

• Jesus asked people questions to uncover their motives and to expose their unbelief. He asked: “What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?” (Mark 8:36), or 

• “What will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Mark 8:37). 

• To the stiff-necked Jews He asked, “Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” (Luke 6:46). 

• For the purpose of establishing a trustworthy source for truth He asked, “Did you never read in the Scriptures?” (Matthew 21:42). 

• Concerning the promise of His return to establish righteousness Jesus asked, “When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8). 

Jesus’ many questions caused people to ponder on His authority, especially when He asked His disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” (Matthew 16:13). 

On another occasion He asked, “Why do you not understand what I am saying? It is because you cannot hear My word” (John 8:43). “If I speak truth, why do you not believe Me?” (John 8:46). 

Jesus also confronted unbelievers in their spiritual blindness by asking questions. “Having eyes, do you not see and having ears do you not hear?” (Mark 8:18). “If I told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things?” (John 3:12). “How will you escape the sentence of hell?” (Matthew 23:33). 

Here are some question from God’s Word that we need to ask people so we can show them how much we care, because people really don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care for them. This is a powerful lesson for us today. Rather than preaching to people about their errant religious beliefs, it is better to ask, “What is your supreme authority for knowing truth.” Can there be any more trustworthy source for truth than God’s inspired, inerrant, infallible Word? 

Here are additional questions that you might ask that will give you an opportunity to listen and share the truth of God’s Word: 

• What is the greatest gift you’ve ever received?
• What is the most important decision you face in this life?
• Do you know where will you spend eternity?
• Do you trust what Christ has paid the price to save you?
• If you could ask God one question, what would it be and why?
• Why did Jesus have to die?
• What does it mean when Jesus declared “it is finished” on the cross?
• Are you ready to meet your Creator? 

There are many questions that you can ask as you let the Holy Spirit lead you. 

There may be occasions when people may not be interested in talking about the truth of God’s Word. Whenever this happens, you could humbly say, “We can be wrong about a lot of things in this life and still survive, but if we are wrong about what we are trusting for eternal life we will pay for that mistake forever and ever.” Please read what Jesus said in (Matthew 13:41-42; Matthew 25:41).

After sharing the Gospel verbally, it is always important to leave the Gospel in written form so the person can review the Biblical truths that you have shared. Remember the Word of God is the imperishable seed that brings forth life to those who are dead in sin (1 Peter 1:23). 

Therefore, we need to obey Jesus’ commandment to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20). 

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