Transformative Questions: Reflecting on Faith and Growth
Summary
Wayne Elderton, in his New Year's message, explores the profound impact of questions, particularly those posed by Jesus, which serve as a catalyst for self-reflection and spiritual growth. He emphasizes that questions are not merely a form of communication but also a powerful tool for learning and engagement. Elderton shares a story of a young girl on a bus who confidently defends her belief in the Bible when challenged by a skeptic, illustrating the strength that comes from faith and the ability to answer difficult questions.
The message is structured as a play with four parts, each examining a different question from Jesus that prompts introspection and challenges the listener to consider their faith and actions. Elderton underscores the importance of questions in the context of the New Year, a time traditionally reserved for reflection and resolution.
The first question discussed is from Matthew 8:24-27, where Jesus, amidst a storm, asks his disciples about their fear and faith. This question addresses the common human experience of fear and anxiety, which Elderton relates to the current mental health crisis. He shares personal insights from his wife Janice's work with a mood disorder support group, highlighting the prevalence of these issues even within the church community. Elderton suggests that Jesus' use of questions aims to foster self-awareness and growth rather than simply providing answers.
The second question, "Who touched my clothes?" from the story of the woman with the issue of blood, delves into themes of shame, secrecy, and the courage to seek healing. Elderton reflects on the societal and personal implications of hidden struggles and the transformative power of faith and vulnerability in reaching out to Jesus.
The third question, "How many loaves do you have?" from the feeding of the 4,000, explores the concept of participation in God's work. Elderton discusses the balance between personal responsibility and reliance on God's provision, using the miracle of the loaves and fish as an example of how Jesus invites his followers to contribute what little they have and witness it being multiplied.
In conclusion, Elderton encourages listeners to reflect on these questions and their significance, challenging them to consider their own faith, willingness to participate in God's work, and the courage to confront their fears and shame. He invites them to enter the new year with a mindset of self-examination and openness to the transformative power of Jesus' questions.
Key Takeaways:
- Jesus' questions are designed to provoke deep introspection and are as relevant today as they were in biblical times. They challenge us to examine our faith, confront our fears, and consider our role in God's work. Reflecting on these questions can lead to personal growth and a deeper understanding of our relationship with God. [25:54]
- Fear and faith are often at odds in our lives, and Jesus' question about fear during the storm on the lake serves as a reminder to focus on Him rather than our circumstances. This focus can shift our perspective from fear to faith, leading to peace that transcends worldly assurances. [07:58]
- The story of the woman who touched Jesus' cloak teaches us about the courage to seek healing despite societal and personal shame. It challenges us to bring our hidden struggles into the light of Jesus' love and to trust in His power to restore us. [16:42]
- The feeding of the 4,000 illustrates the principle of participation in God's kingdom. Jesus' question about the loaves invites us to offer our resources, no matter how inadequate they may seem, trusting that He will multiply our efforts and use them for His purposes. [24:03]
- As we step into a new year, the practice of asking ourselves meaningful questions can lead to a more intentional and engaged faith journey. By embracing the power of questions, we can become co-creators in the unfolding story of God's work in the world. [03:31]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 8:24-27 - "Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, 'Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!' He replied, 'You of little faith, why are you so afraid?' Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. The men were amazed and asked, 'What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!'"
2. Mark 5:27-34 - "When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, 'If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.' Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering. At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, 'Who touched my clothes?' 'You see the people crowding against you,' his disciples answered, 'and yet you can ask, "Who touched me?"' But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. He said to her, 'Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.'"
3. Matthew 15:32-36 - "Jesus called his disciples to him and said, 'I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way.' His disciples answered, 'Where could we get enough bread in this remote place to feed such a crowd?' 'How many loaves do you have?' Jesus asked. 'Seven,' they replied, 'and a few small fish.' He told the crowd to sit down on the ground. Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, and when he had given thanks, he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and they in turn to the people."
#### Observation Questions
1. What was Jesus' response to the disciples' fear during the storm in Matthew 8:24-27? ([06:57])
2. In Mark 5:27-34, what did the woman believe would happen if she touched Jesus' clothes? ([14:05])
3. How did Jesus involve his disciples in the miracle of feeding the 4,000 in Matthew 15:32-36? ([19:13])
4. What was the reaction of the disciples when Jesus asked, "Who touched my clothes?" ([14:51])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus asked his disciples about their fear during the storm instead of immediately calming it? ([06:57])
2. What does the woman's action of touching Jesus' cloak reveal about her faith and her understanding of Jesus' power? ([14:05])
3. How does Jesus' question, "How many loaves do you have?" challenge the disciples' understanding of their role in God's work? ([19:13])
4. What might Jesus' question, "Who touched my clothes?" suggest about his awareness and concern for individual needs in a crowd? ([14:51])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a current situation that causes you fear or anxiety. How can you shift your focus from the circumstances to Jesus, as the disciples were encouraged to do during the storm? ([09:51])
2. Is there a hidden struggle or shame in your life that you need to bring into the light of Jesus' love? What steps can you take to reach out to Him for healing and restoration? ([16:17])
3. Consider the resources you have, no matter how small they seem. How can you offer them to God and trust Him to multiply your efforts for His purposes? ([19:13])
4. How can you cultivate a mindset of participation in God's work, balancing personal responsibility with reliance on God's provision? ([21:16])
5. Think about a time when you felt inadequate to meet a need or challenge. How did you respond, and what can you learn from Jesus' invitation to participate in His work despite apparent insufficiency? ([23:20])
6. How can you practice self-awareness in your daily life to identify and confront fears, anxieties, or other issues that hinder your faith? ([09:01])
7. Reflect on the new year ahead. What meaningful questions can you ask yourself to foster a more intentional and engaged faith journey? ([03:08])
Devotional
Day 1: Introspection Through Christ's Questions
Questions from Christ prompt deep self-examination, revealing the state of our faith and the areas where we need to grow. As we ponder these questions, we uncover truths about ourselves that can lead to transformative change. [25:54]
James 1:5 - "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."
Reflection: Which question from Jesus has recently challenged you, and how has it prompted you to reflect on your faith journey?
Day 2: From Fear to Faith in Christ
In moments of fear and uncertainty, Jesus' questions redirect our focus from our circumstances to His steadfast presence. This shift is essential for finding peace amidst life's storms. [07:58]
Isaiah 43:1 - "But now, this is what the LORD says—He who created you, Jacob, He who formed you, Israel: 'Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.'"
Reflection: Recall a recent situation where you felt overwhelmed by fear. How can you intentionally shift your focus to Jesus' presence in similar situations?
Day 3: Courage to Seek Healing
The courage to seek healing, despite shame and secrecy, is a testament to the power of faith. Jesus' questions invite us to bring our struggles into His healing light. [16:42]
Luke 8:47 - "Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed."
Reflection: What personal struggle have you kept hidden that needs the healing touch of Jesus?
Day 4: Participation in God's Provision
Jesus' questions about our resources challenge us to participate in His work, trusting that He will multiply our meager offerings for His kingdom. [24:03]
2 Corinthians 9:10 - "Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness."
Reflection: What resources or talents do you have that you can offer to God's work, trusting Him to magnify their impact?
Day 5: Embracing Questions for Spiritual Growth
Asking ourselves meaningful questions can lead to a more intentional and engaged faith journey, helping us become co-creators in God's unfolding story. [03:31]
Jeremiah 6:16 - "This is what the LORD says: 'Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.'"
Reflection: What is one question you can ask yourself daily to become more intentional in your walk with God?
Quotes
"If I want to increase my little faith, my fear must decrease. Who my mind is focused on determines if I tip fear or I tip faith." [12:04] (Download)
"The ability to question is a spectacular tool the Lord has empowered humans that were made in his image to use. Struggling to find the right questions is just as important, if not more, than the answers they yield." [03:31] (Download)
"Powerful questions are the ones that cause you to become an actor as soon as you answer them or even reflect on them, you no longer have the luxury of being a spectator." [04:56] (Download)
"Fear, anxiety, and worry are an unholy trinity of attack on our mental health. Statistics say that one in ten people live with an anxiety disorder." [07:58] (Download)
"The title of the message is Jesus Questions, and the title has actually a double meaning. It's not only the method that Jesus often used to communicate. I mean, he used questions, but it's also the kinds of questions that he asked. They were Jesus questions, which were always very powerful." [01:05] (Download)
"Well, when I get to heaven, I'm going to ask Jonah if it was true. And smirking and now presuming he really did have her now, the man replied, well, what if Jonah isn't in heaven? And considering the question, she responded, well then, I guess you'll have to ask him." [02:08] (Download)
"Do we sometimes push people away because we only see our deficiency rather than helping? In the story, we see a spectacular object lesson in participation." [24:03] (Download)
"What I've learned, and I'm still learning, is that participation is a way of life and a state of being, mostly through the mundane or ordinary parts of our lives." [25:54] (Download)
"In our own stories, despite any secret shame I carry, can I live in faithful expectation that God will act when I make the decision to take hold of Jesus and throw myself at his feet in mercy?" [16:42] (Download)
"Participation like so many things in our Christian walk is a knife edge balance. And again, tip too far one way and we start to take on that we're somehow responsible for God's work, that it's our energy and effort." [21:22] (Download)
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