By Andrew Williams
Opening Prayer
Jesus, you are the Master Teacher. Help us to disciple others not by giving all the answers, but by asking good questions that lead them to you.
Today’s Scripture (NLT)
Mark 8:29a
“Then he asked them, ‘But who do you say I am?'”
If you study the way Jesus interacted with people, you will notice something striking: He often answered a question with a question, and He taught some of His most profound truths by asking questions. Jesus was a master of the art of asking questions that caused people to think for themselves and discover truth in a personal way.
In our desire to help people, we often default to giving advice and providing all the answers. But effective discipleship is often more about drawing out what the Holy Spirit is already doing in someone’s heart. Asking good questions is a powerful tool for this. Instead of saying, “You should do this,” you can ask, “What do you think God is saying to you in this situation?” Instead of giving a lecture on a Bible passage, you can ask, “What stood out to you most in this verse?”
Jesus’s question to His disciples, “But who do you say I am?” is the most important question anyone will ever answer. He didn’t just tell them the answer; He asked them, forcing a personal confession. Discipling like Jesus means we become less of a lecturer and more of a loving guide, asking thoughtful questions that help others own their faith for themselves.
Disciples’ Life Tip: In your next significant conversation with someone you are discipling, try to ask at least three thoughtful questions before you give any advice. Questions like, “How have you been praying about that?” or “Where have you seen God at work in this?” are great places to start.
Closing Prayer: Lord, make us better listeners and better question-askers. Teach us to disciple like you did, gently guiding people to discover and own your truth for themselves. Amen.
