Week 1 – A question about desires
This is the story of Jesus’ healing of blind Bartimaeus. It begins with Jesus asking what seems to be an obvious question, “What do you want me to do for you?” But it opens a wonderful opportunity for some sober self-reflection as we consider the implications of the question both for Bartimaeus and for us.
Week 2 – Two questions about healing
In the first incident, Jesus asks what seems to be an obvious question, “Do you want to get well?” But it leads to some thoughts about everyone’s need for the healing that Jesus offers. The second incident examines the story of the woman with a flow of blood who touched Jesus in a crowd, which highlights Jesus’ ministry of inclusion and healing.
Week 3 – A question about vision
In Mark 8:22-25 Jesus heals a blind man at Bethsaida by making mud and putting it on his eyes. Then the question, “Do you see anything?” The man’s full restoration required a second touch from Jesus. The incident reminds us of how much healing we need to see the world as Jesus does.
Week 4 – A question about compassion
Today’s question comes from the story of the Good Samaritan. It comes at the end of the story, when Jesus asks, “Which of these three do you think was a neighbour to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” It forced the scribe to reluctantly admit that it was the one who had compassion on him.
Week 5 – A question about worship
This is the story of Mary anointing Jesus’ feet with perfume. This simple gesture of personal worship caused several in the room to be offended, which prompts Jesus’ question, “Why are you bothering her?” Something about this act caused Jesus to say, “Wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.“
Week 6 – A question about grace
This is the story of the “eleventh hour workers”. It ends with the owner asking the other workers, “Or are you envious because I am generous?” The incident becomes a marvelous illustration of God’s extravagant generosity, which we call grace.
Week 7 – A question about faith
In the parable of The Persistent Widow, Jesus closes with the question, “However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” What Jesus seems to want most from us is that we trust him… All the way to the very end.
Week 8 – A question about understanding
In the familiar story of Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus, the Pharisee expresses much confusion about the expression, “born again”. Jesus asks him, “You are Israel’s teacher, and do you not understand these things?… I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things?” What follows is a wonderful opportunity to revisit what it really means to be born again.