March Madness is here and the NCAA tournament gets going this week! I always love filling out my bracket, watching all the games, and experiencing the memorable moments along the way. Over the years as I’ve seen countless games, I’m reminded how important coaches are throughout the tournament. I’m drawn to keeping an eye on them as they coach from the sideline, and fascinated to hear them in interviews. How they answer reporters' questions and what they say in response reveals a lot about who they are as coaches. Although their interviews may be quick during halftime or short sound bites before or after the game, their answers still give fans insight into what they’re thinking. Even their nonanswers reveal something about them. Oftentimes coaches are asked tough questions during longer press conferences when their teams lose the game and they’re forced to reflect on what happened, how they feel, and their perspective. It causes coaches to look inward and give their honest responses to the important questions fans and media members are wondering about. Throughout the Gospels in the New Testament, we learn about Jesus' character and also see His approach to ministry and how he interacted with others. He often utilized questions when engaging with people and His disciples. In fact, there are over 300 questions Jesus asked to get them thinking and also to reveal something. There are too many to unpack today, but we’ll take a look at a few. Like the coaches throughout the NCAA Tournament encounter tough questions, we as followers of Jesus face some important questions to answer as we read through the Bible. Matthew 16:13-16 (NLT) says, “When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, 'Who do people say that the Son of Man is?' 'Well,' they replied, 'some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.' Then He asked them, 'But who do you say I am?'" That question carries a lot of weight and our answer is critical. In verse 16 we are told, “Simon Peter answered, 'You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.'” What about us, who do we say Jesus is? Our response reveals our hearts and whether or not we believe Jesus is the Savior. Another question to ponder is, do we believe in His power? Our answer is found in how confidently we approach Him and whether faith or worry dominates our lives. In Matthew chapter 9, two blind men desired to be healed. Verses 28-30 (AMP) describe the scene: “When He went into the house, the blind men came up to Him, and Jesus said to them, 'Do you believe that I am able to do this?' They said to Him, 'Yes, Lord.' Then He touched their eyes, saying, 'According to your faith it will be done to you.' And their eyes were opened…” That tough question, “Do you believe that I am able to do this” pops up for us when we encounter difficulties and pain. Do we really believe Jesus is able to heal us, restore us, and open our eyes...and do we trust in His power? Lastly, Jesus asks in Luke 6:46 (NLT), “So why do you keep calling Me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say?” He goes on to compare the difference between someone who listens to His teaching and then follows it versus a person who hears and doesn’t obey. He explains how it's like someone who builds a house on a solid rock foundation versus someone who builds a house on the ground without a foundation. “So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say” is a challenging question for us to hear because how often are we choosing to do what we want to do instead of following Him? Hopefully, the question leads us to repentance and a desire to obey, knowing that building our life on Jesus is the answer and the firm foundation we need. Over the next few weeks, college basketball coaches will have countless microphones placed in front of them and tough questions thrown at them, and we’ll sit back listening to their answers. Today, as we read God's Word, we are presented with poignant and convicting questions that cause us to reflect and determine what we really believe. I hope we can confidently answer that Jesus is our Lord and Savior who we love and believe is able to do anything, and whose teaching we follow and obey. I'm Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I believe You sent Jesus to be the Savior and I believe in His power to heal. Please help my unbelief and forgive me for the ways I disobey. I thank You for Your grace and for allowing me to build a firm foundation on Jesus Christ. It's in His name I pray, Amen.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR PACKS:
1. What question was toughest for you to think about, and why? 2. What question are you most confident in your answer, and why?
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