Answer Christ's Questions BEFORE Asking

People ask God a lot of questions.  Jesus demonstrated He is under no obligation to answer any question - especially the dishonest questions of men - though He is glad and willing to answer all sincere questions.  In an interaction with the Pharisees, before Jesus agreed to answer their question they were required to answer His.  This is the correct order of things, for God has all authority over men.  If we demand an honest answer from God, we must first be honest with Him.  When we refuse to answer Christ's questions, do not be surprised when you do not receive answers.

Matthew 21:23-27 tells the story:  "Now when He came into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people confronted Him as He was teaching, and said, "By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You this authority?" ²⁴ But Jesus answered and said to them, "I also will ask you one thing, which if you tell Me, I likewise will tell you by what authority I do these things: ²⁵ The baptism of John--where was it from? From heaven or from men?" And they reasoned among themselves, saying, "If we say, 'From heaven,' He will say to us, 'Why then did you not believe him?' ²⁶ But if we say, 'From men,' we fear the multitude, for all count John as a prophet." ²⁷ So they answered Jesus and said, "We do not know." And He said to them, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things."  Jesus only did what pleased the Father, but His actions did not please the chief priests and elders.  They openly questioned His authority.  Knowing the hypocrisy of their hearts, Jesus agreed to answer them on the condition they first answered His question.

Christ's question prompted a private discussion.  Answering the question Jesus asked would expose them as hypocrites or prompt indignation and outcry from the people - two things they had planned to do to Jesus by asking Him such questions publicly.  So the most learned men in Israel lied and played dumb:  "We do not know."  Jesus replied, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things."  Jesus had been given all authority from His Father.  Since these rulers did not trust or believe Him, they wouldn't believe the truth even if He told them.  They would only accuse Him of dishonesty when it was they who were dishonest themselves.  This is a good lesson for Christians.  We are never under any obligation to answer the dishonest questions of the unbelievers.  Does God need me to defend Him?  Well did our Saviour warn not to cast pearls before swine, lest after trampling those precious truths underfoot they turn and tear us apart (Matt. 7:6).

Do you have questions you want to ask of God?  How about answering some of the questions Jesus asked first?  Your answer or unwillingness to answer likely reveals why heaven seems silent.  In the following passages, the bold emphasis is mine:

• "Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. ²⁶ And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?" John 11:25-26 
• "For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?" Matthew 16:26 
• "Then the Pharisees went and plotted how they might entangle Him in His talk. ¹⁶ And they sent to Him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, "Teacher, we know that You are true, and teach the way of God in truth; nor do You care about anyone, for You do not regard the person of men. ¹⁷ Tell us, therefore, what do You think? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?" ¹⁸ But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, "Why do you test Me, you hypocrites? ¹⁹ Show Me the tax money." So they brought Him a denarius. ²⁰ And He said to them, "Whose image and inscription is this?" ²¹ They said to Him, "Caesar's." And He said to them, "Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." Matthew 22:15-21
•  "When Jesus departed from there, two blind men followed Him, crying out and saying, "Son of David, have mercy on us!" ²⁸ And when He had come into the house, the blind men came to Him. And Jesus said to them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" They said to Him, "Yes, Lord." ²⁹ Then He touched their eyes, saying, "According to your faith let it be to you." ³⁰ And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly warned them, saying, "See that no one knows it." Matthew 9:27-30
•  "And Peter answered Him and said, "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water." ²⁹ So He said, "Come." And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. ³⁰ But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, "Lord, save me!" ³¹ And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" ³² And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. ³³ Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, "Truly You are the Son of God." Matthew 14:28-33

Do you believe Jesus is who He claims to be, the Christ?  What does it profit you to gain the whole world and lose your soul?  Why do you test Him in hypocrisy?  Do you believe Jesus is able to do what you ask of Him?  Why did you doubt?  Why do we doubt?  Oh, that we would answer Christ's questions in humility and faith proved in reality!  Then He will speak, we will hear, and receive Him as the answer we have be searching for!