Contemplative Bible Reading

Luke 9:18-21 (New International Version 2011)

¹⁸ Once when Jesus was praying in private and his disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say I am?”

¹⁹ They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, that one of the prophets of long ago has come back to life.”

²⁰ “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”

Peter answered, “God’s Messiah.”

In these verses, Jesus asked His followers a couple of questions.

In one respect, this doesn’t make any sense. Jesus is the Son of God. He knew the answers to the questions.

In another respect, this does make sense and serves as an excellent example for anyone who has people following.

Never assume. Always ask.

I have often heard that “silence is agreement.” I never understood that one; it always seemed to be a huge leap from one thing to another. Jesus doesn’t assume; He asks. I will try to follow that example, even and especially at times when I would rather not hear the answer.