Today’s ONE THING: Don’t Answer That Question!

• John 4:15  Jesus answered and said to her, “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again…

Jesus had an unusual habit of not answering questions.  The Gospels are full of examples.  For example, sometimes Jesus just wouldn’t respond at all and then other times he’d respond by taking a completely different turn in the conversation.

John 12:20-26 gives a rather humorous example.  In this passage John records that some Greeks came asking to see Jesus, so Philip and Andrew came to Jesus asking about this and Jesus answered: “The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified. ²⁴ Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. ²⁵ He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. ²⁶ If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.  (John 12:23-26)

Now these are profound words but I can only imagine Philip and Andrews thinking, “What in the world does this have to do with Greeks wanting to see Jesus?”

Jesus did the same thing with the woman at the well (John 4).  Three times she asked Jesus a question and each time he did not answer her question but instead directed her in another direction.

Here’s the point: You do not have to answer every question and get involved in every argument.

Whoever is asking the questions is controlling the situation – unless – you refuse to take the bait.  Learn from Jesus who stayed focused on his agenda and purpose.  He refused to allow people to sidetrack him from the task at hand.

Learn from Jesus.  All questions and arguments are not equal.  Don’t allow yourself to get caught up in meaningless chatter and ridiculous controversies; you’ve got a job to do – get ‘er done!

In the long run, you’ll be way ahead of the pack, which by the way will probably be bogged down in some minor, meaningless controversy that will not matter this time next year.