Asking

John the Baptist Asked

Matthew 11:2, “…he sent his disciples to ask a question.” New English Translation

John’s question was for his disciples’ sake. He wanted to decrease so Jesus would increase, John 3:30. He didn’t want his disciples to follow him to death but to follow Jesus to eternal life. Jesus confirmed who John was in verse 10.

Peter Asked

Matthew 17:27, “But so we don’t offend them, go to the lake and throw out a hook. Take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth, you will find a four-drachma coin. Take that and give it to them for me and you.” New English Translation

This picture was taken from the Faith Boat on the Sea of Galilee.

Jesus performed a miracle – a fish catching a coin and then biting Peter’s hook! He provided the tax money for Peter and Himself.

He didn’t provide it for his 11 closest disciples, the other 70, or the women who followed Him. He provided for Peter because he asked.

God is a personal God. He meets the needs of individuals.

When we give, we can’t help everyone. We look for those nearby to help.

Ask for Forgiveness, Release the Guilt

John 8:11, “…and Jesus said, ‘I do not condemn you either. Go, and from now on do not sin anymore.'” New English Translation

If Jesus does not condemn me, why do I condemn myself?

“Imagine Jesus saying verse 10 directly to you; then respond to Him in prayer…name and repent of the…sins that come to mind. Ask God to bring you into the light (v. 12).”
New English Translation notes on John 8:1-12

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“Go, and because you have had an encounter with Jesus, you can rise above your past.”
The Word for You Today, 1-13-23

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In Case You Asked

John 10:22, “Then came the Feast of the Dedication of Jerusalem.” New English Translation

What is the Feast of Dedication? Hanukkah!

“…The commemoration of the dedication…of the temple by Judas Maccabeus in December, 165 BC, after it had been profaned by Antiochus IV Epiphanes… This was the last great deliverance the Jews had experienced. …”
New International Version Study Bible notes on John 10:22

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“…Antiochus IV Epiphanes (…who ruled from 175-164 BC) …attempted to consolidate his empire through a policy of radical Hellenization. [Creating a world united by Greek language and culture]. …

He…attempted to destroy all copies of the Torah [the first five books of the Bible] and required offerings to the Greek god Zeus. His crowning outrage was the erection of a statue of Zeus and the sacrificing of a pig in the Jerusalem temple itself. …

This triggered the Maccabean revolt, a 24-year war (166-142 BC) that resulted in the independence of Judah until the Romans took control in 63 BC.”
“The Time Between the Testaments,”
New International Version Study Bible,
pp. 1571-1573

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Questions That I Asked Myself

Do I know the Bible, or Book of the Law, well enough to defend my faith, John 7:50-51?
How did Jesus disperse the crowds? Did He bless them, heal them, shake their hands, or have a word for each one, Matthew 14:22?
What is in my heart? Dare I even ask, Matthew 15:18?
Is my mind set on God’s interests, Matthew 16:23?
What do I possess that Jesus can multiply, Mark 8:1-21?
Do I sprinkle the good news like salt or dump too much out at once? Am I at peace with everyone, Mark 9:50?