“When the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, they got together, and to disconcert him, one of them put a question, “Master, which is the greatest commandment of the Law?” (Matthew 22:34-35)

Matthew 22:34-40

In our Gospel this week, we are unsurprised that someone might ask which the greatest commandment is. The Pharisees oversaw the 613 laws of the Pentateuch. That is a lot of laws to remember, and more challenging to keep some or all of them.

Many of these laws involved what was impossible for the poor or certain population groups, such as shepherds who lived out in the fields and did not have access to the requirements. This meant the Law excluded many people, probably many good and well-intentioned people, those who truly loved God and who were made to feel ‘not good enough’.

The Pharisee who asked the question was trying to trap Jesus on behalf of the group. In his hypocrisy, he addressed Jesus as “Master”. Notice questions can be used for the wrong intentions, yet Jesus answers this question clearly and simply. It is simple and yet so difficult to live. Jesus gets to the essence of what the Law is about.

Questions can also be used to gain clarity and understanding and to keep moving forward on a spiritual journey. We know that God is a mystery, so if we think we know everything about God, then that is not God but our manufactured god over whom we have control.

God is beyond our capacity to understand fully, but this does not mean we cannot constantly grow in and deepen our relationship and understanding of God.  We seek to know Jesus as opposed to knowing about Jesus.  Knowing comes from experiencing God. Our questions are valid ways to grow; our doubts lead us to enquire further and to seek God more.

Let us consider a couple of questions that Jesus asked. Jesus asked two of John the Baptist’s disciples as they followed him, “What do you seek/want?” (John 1:38). “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked blind Bartimaeus (Mark 10:51). How do these questions posed by Jesus touch me today?

When we come with questions to God, let them not be to trick (which we see is impossible anyway).  Rather, let them be questions that bring us greater understanding, peace, joy and faith, which allow us to know and experience God more.

What is my motivation for asking questions?
Can I  hear Jesus ask me, ‘What do you want?’ ‘What do you want me to do for you?
What is the question I would like to ask Jesus today?
Do I seek to truly experience God rather than just ‘know about’ God?

Reflections by Kath Knowles

Visit our website