The Pattern

The Questions Jesus Asked

Personal reflection · Mark 10:46–52

Write as much or as little as you wish. Every field is optional, and you may stop at any point.

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Observe

Instead of immediately healing Bartimaeus, Jesus asks, “What do you want me to do for you?” The question gives the man agency to voice his own need rather than allowing the crowd or even Jesus to define it for him.

This pattern is repeated. To the man by the pool, Jesus asks, “Do you want to be healed?” To His disciples, He asks, “But who do you say that I am?” To Peter after the resurrection, He asks, “Do you love me?” Each question moves past circumstances and toward personal desire, belief, or relationship.

When a lawyer asks how to define a neighbor, Jesus tells a story and asks a new question in return: which man in the story acted as a neighbor? The question reframes the entire issue, inviting the lawyer to see the answer inside the story.

What stands out to you about Jesus’ response in this situation?

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Reflect

Respond to any of these questions — or none.

Am I more focused on giving the right answers than asking the right questions?When I ask questions, am I genuinely seeking to understand, or simply guiding someone to the conclusion I've already reached?Is there a problem I'm trying to solve with a quick instruction that might first require a question to help the other person see?What conversation have I avoided by assuming I already know what the other person needs or thinks?

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Examine

What assumptions, motives, fears, expectations, habits, or pressures may be influencing how you see this situation?

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Pray

Ask for the wisdom to know when a person needs a question more than they need an answer.

Ask the Holy Spirit for clarity about what you may be overlooking.
Bring the people affected by this decision into prayer.

What do you want to bring into prayer?

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Discernment pause

A brief pause to slow the decision down.

What do I know to be true?
What am I assuming?
Who is affected?
What may be influencing me?
What would alignment require?
What deserves prayer before action?

What needs further discernment?

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Apply

Carry it forward

What conversation are you trying to solve with an answer that might first require a better question?

One step to considerIs there one conversation, action, pause, question, or responsibility you may need to consider next?

Kept on this device as you type.