We humans are naturally curious beings. A young child takes apart the toy to see what makes it work only to discover that it no longer works now that it is in pieces. As adults our curiosity can produce more positive results. Virtually every discovery or invention has been a result of someone’s curiosity. However, even as adults curiosity can get us into trouble. We have all heard the warning, “Curiosity killed the cat.” The original version of that adage was, “Care (worry) killed the cat.” Now we are curious as to why that adage was revised and who did it, things that remain a mystery.
Reporters used to be taught to use the five W’s (who, what, when, where and why) to flesh out their stories. It seems like the only question reporters ask these days is, “How will this story advance my career and personal agenda?”
Questions seem to come to our mind and cross our lips quite naturally. Like Paul Harvey we are always in search of “the rest of the story”. So is it any wonder that when we begin a personal relationship with Jesus Christ we have a lot of questions for Him? After all He took part in creating the universe; surely He has the answers to all of our questions. He does. But our finite minds may have trouble understanding His infinite answers.
Nicodemus came to Jesus at night for some answers. (John 3:1-21) Like many of us he had problems wrapping his mind around what Jesus was telling him. You can almost hear the frustration in Jesus’ voice as He said, “You are a respected Jewish teacher, and yet you don’t understand these things? I assure you, we tell you what we know and have seen, and yet you won’t believe our testimony. But if you don’t believe me when I tell you about earthly things, how can you possibly believe if I tell you about heavenly things?” Even though he didn’t seem to fully grasp everything Jesus told him, Nicodemus put his faith in Him. Later, he publicly defended Jesus (John 7:50-51) and after the crucifixion he showed his love for Jesus by bringing 75 pounds of expensive spices for Jesus’ burial. (John 19:39-40)
The disciples were constantly asking Jesus questions and then they would ask each other “What do you think He meant by that?” They put their faith in Jesus even though they didn’t fully understand. When He rose from the dead their minds were opened and then they knew exactly what He meant. Isn’t that what we must do? Put our faith in Jesus in spite of our inability to understand until that time when His answers make perfect sense to us.
Bringing our questions to Jesus is a good thing. I think the problem is that we often ask the wrong questions. We are so concerned with why something has happened or is happening when we should be asking, “What do I need to do in response?” or “How can I use this for good in my life?” Jesus will give us clear answers to those questions and then bless our obedience.