Our Questions
* It is human nature to ask questions. We ask questions for different reasons. We may ask questions in order to learn or know. We may ask questions because we wonder about something. To ask questions for these reasons is to admit that we do not know everything.

* As human beings, we have questions about life. These questions may be universal or personal, theoretical or practical. And some of these questions are very important to us.

1. What "important questions" do you have about life? Make a list of them.

Questions Jesus Was Asked
* Jesus was asked many questions. Some questions were good and sincere. Others were not. Some were meant to test Jesus. Some were wrongly based, or wrongly directed. Here are some of the questions Jesus was asked.

¶ "Who are you?" (John 8:25) "By what authority are you doing these things? ...And who gave you this authority?" (Matthew 21:23b; cf. Luke 20:2)

¶ "Why do you speak to the people in parables?" (Matthew 13:10)

¶ "…what must I do to inherit eternal life?" (Luke 18:18; cf. Matthew 19:16)

¶ "Of all the commandments, which is the most important?" (Mark 12:28, cf. Matthew 22:36)

¶ "What must we do to do the works God requires?" (John 6:28)

Which is the Greatest Commandment?
* Impressed by Jesus' answer to another question, a teacher of the law had his own question. Read Mark 12:28-31.

2. When we think of "commandments" (commands), we may think of rules to be obeyed, or actions to be performed, in order to satisfy the commanding authority. It is a matter of human performance and achievement. But what does Jesus say is most important?

What Must We Do to Get Eternal Life?
* Jesus said, "Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you" (John 6:27a). But his listeners did not understand, so they asked Jesus a question. Read John 6:28-29.

3. According to Jesus, what is needed to receive eternal life?

Reflection/Application
† Many people are too busy to carefully consider the important questions of life. What about you? In the coming weeks, commit to carefully consider "the most important questions."

† If you are a Christian, you might think you have already adequately considered "the most important questions." However, maybe you have trouble applying your responses to everyday life. Or maybe you have trouble defending your responses when others question your beliefs. Commit to thoughtful reflection on "the most important questions."