Asking the Right Question

Scripture – Luke 18:18-21: 18A certain ruler asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 19“Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. 20You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother.’” 21“All these I have kept since I was a boy,” he said.

Reflection: One thing I’ve discovered in life is the importance of asking good questions – what some have called powerful questions. It takes a fair amount of courage and patience to find those questions. But once I find the question I need to ask, ask it and listen for an answer, I open myself to life-changing truth.

This ruler came to Jesus with a question that wasn’t really about his primary concern. “What must I do?” is a question that looks for an easy answer. He’s obviously missing something in his life, and he’s hoping there’s just something he can tweak a little to find it.

What do you think he’s really asking? What would be a powerful question for him? If you could ask Jesus one question about yourself, what would be the best and most helpful question? Now take the “if” out of that. Because you can ask Him right now.

Tomorrow we’ll see the answer He had for this ruler. Today you can find out the answer He has for you. Will you ask?