Leading Questions

“Now the Passover, a feast of the Jews, was near.  Then Jesus lifted up His eyes, and seeing a great multitude coming toward Him, He said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?” But this He said to test him, for He Himself knew what He would do.  Philip answered Him, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may have a little.” – John 6:4-7

Jesus often asks us leading questions, as He did Philip.  He has all the answers, yet He seeks our answer. His questions come in that still small voice of the Holy Spirit.  When we look at the homeless man on the street corner, Jesus waits to see our answer to need.  When we see the woman crying and alone, He waits to see our response.  When we’re frustrated and irritated, He waits to hear our answer.  When we are offended, He waits to see if we will put another brick on the wall or extend forgiveness.

The answers we give in actions and words reveal our weaknesses, just as Philip’s answer revealed his lack of understanding the resources of God. 

I wish I could live life with a visual of Jesus beside me continually, ever present in my sights and in my life.  Perhaps then my answers to the things He asks would be better ones.

 “For You, O God, have tested us; You have refined us as silver is refined.” – Psalms 66:10

“Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.” – Isaiah 48:10