Questions That Transform: Jesus' Revolutionary Teaching Technique
The Power of a Well-Placed Question: Learning from Jesus' Example
Jesus asked lots of questions often when He knew the answers. His questioning method caused people to think for themselves and find and see the truth. Let’s look at some questions Jesus asked:
Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? Matthew 9:4.
Believe ye that I am able to do this? Matthew 9:28.
Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungered, and they that were with him; How he entered into the house of God, and did eat the shewbread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests? Matthew 12:3–4.
Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? Matthew 15:3.
What, could ye not watch with me one hour? Matthew 26:40.
Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? To save life or to kill? Mark 3:4.
Why are ye so fearful?
How is it that ye have no faith? Mark 4:40
How is it that ye do not understand? Mark 8:21.
Whom do men say that I am?
Whom say ye that I am? Mark 8:27–29.
Why callest thou me good? Mark 10:18.
What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? Mark 10:51.
The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men? Mark 11:30.
Woman, where are those thine accusers?
hath no man condemned thee? John 8:10.
Know ye what I have done to you? John 13:12.
Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? John 20:15.
lovest thou me more than these? John 21:15-17
why persecutest thou me? Acts 9:4.
Jesus wasn’t interested in giving simple answers. He liked to lead people to discover the truth by thinking for themselves. He asked very careful and probing important questions.
Is there a wealth of knowledge to be gained from these questions? Should we strive to think more and speak less? Could asking questions be the key to unlocking new perspectives and understanding?
Genuinely Interested?
Asking questions can show a genuine interest in others. It’s a tool for learning, challenging our preconceptions, being pleasantly surprised. By focusing on understanding rather than confirming what we already believe, we open ourselves up to new insights and personal growth.
Good Questions
When asking questions, aim for understanding.
Ask open-ended questions that require more than a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer.
Ask follow-up questions that seek to clarify or delve deeper into a topic.
Stop preparing your response, or you are not asking questions.
Ask precise questions so you can really understand what is being said.
Prepare your Questions
Research what you will discuss so you can ask intelligent questions.
Before you meet, know what you can, and as you learn, that should help you produce more questions.
Ask the more important questions first.
Follow up to get the details and understand what is being stated.
Do not make the conversation about yourself.
Do not ask questions so you can give answers.
Do not ask questions to make a point.
Do not plan your next question while they are still speaking.
Avoid asking questions that have already received answers.
Watch for nonverbal cues.
Be quiet and listen.
Pause and think.
Make the other person the center of attention.
Show genuine interest in their responses
Do not ask judgmental questions
Benefits of good questions
Deepen our relationships.
We learn unexpected insights.
We understand each other.
Make for memorable conversations.
We promote personal growth.
Quotes
"The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reasons for existing." Albert Einstein
"The only true wisdom is in knowing that you know nothing." Socrates
"The master key of knowledge is, indeed, a persistent and frequent questioning." Peter Abelard
"A prudent question is one half of wisdom." Francis Bacon
"Knowing the answers will help you in school. Knowing how to question will help you in life." Warren Berger
"It is not the answer that enlightens, but the question." Eugene Ionesco
"Outstanding listening leaders understand that true wisdom begins with the questions we ask." George Knuteson
"The greatest compliment that was ever paid me was when someone asked me what I thought, and attended to my answer." Henry David Thoreau
"There are no foolish questions and no man becomes a fool until he has stopped asking questions." Charles Proteus Steinmetz
Give a Gift of Truth for Christmas
