Nearly 30 years ago, I remember very clearly sitting in Mrs. Wilson’s 4th grade class when a classmate raised his hand to ask a question. The question he asked was one that most of the other kids already knew the answer to so when he asked that question several students in the room laughed out loud at him and his question.
My admirable teacher, Mrs. Wilson, took that moment to stop and teach us all a valuable lesson. She said “Don’t laugh at a question. There is no such thing as a dumb question. For questions lead to answers. If you don’t know something, then ask. That is how you learn.” I have never forgotten that moment and lesson = questions lead to answers!
In John chapter 3 we learn about a man named Nicodemus who comes to Jesus, rather secretly, seeking some answers. In this story, Nicodemus has lots of questions.
- In 3:4 he asks Jesus “How can a man be born when he is old?”
- In 3:4 he asks another question “Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?”
- In 3:9 he asks Jesus “How can these things be?”
In this fascinating passage, Nicodemus hits Jesus with 3 questions. Jesus is answering his questions but it seems Nicodemus is not understanding. Jesus continues answering and teaching, but the gospel transitions on and we do not hear much more about Nicodemus.
In 7:50 there is another mention of Nicodemus, and ironically, he is asking a question there too. Then we don’t hear anymore about Nicodemus until the end of John.
In John 19:39, the ending of John’s gospel, we find Joseph of Arimathea taking the dead body of Jesus after the cross to give him a honorable burial. And with a striking surprise Nicodemus is the one who is there to assist Joseph take care of the body of Jesus in preparation for burial. Wow!
The Pharisee of John chapter 3 who comes to Jesus with lots of questions looks like a disciple in John chapter 19 who now has some answers.
His questions were about getting right with God and having eternal life. The answers to those questions are found in Jesus and his death on the cross.
If we are looking for answers, lets be sure to ask questions. Questions Lead to Answers!