It is not often that God asks a question. This week we’re noticing a few of the famous occasions when He did, however. What we’re learning is that when the All-knowing God does ask a question, He does so–not for His own benefit–but for man’s.
This morning let’s consider our last example of God (or Christ) asking a question.
Our final question to consider comes from one of the Bible’s most heartbreaking moments. In fact, this question was asked, no doubt, from a heartbroken Man.
Already the Lord had shared a meal with this man. More than that: He had shared three years with him; they had been friends, companions, a Master and His student. But the love of money motivated a betrayal and when the time came the Lord met Judas not far from the place He had earlier been praying.
Judas had just finished informing the guards to be ready; the One he kissed on the cheek (a customary greeting among friends) would be the One they should arrest. As the traitor approached the Lord he saw in those Divine eyes no hint of anger; he found on His face no scowl. He heard no shouts of bitterness or rage. The Lord just stood there while he approached. In fact the Lord knew exactly what was happening. As this series has noted, the Lord always knows. Yet He still asks the questions.
On this occasion the Lord has already told His disciples that the betrayer was coming (Matthew 26:46), and as Judas approached the Lord asked the question:
And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.
Matthew 26:50
What is amazing is the opening epithet of the Lord: Friend. He knows why Judas is there, but as of that exact moment, Judas hasn’t turned him over to the guards yet; why wouldn’t Jesus call him His friend? Judas has free will and even though the Lord knows what Judas will do, it is still the choice of the disciple to betray that Lord with a kiss.
Before that happens, the Lord asks the question: “Why have you come?” It’s a similar to the one asked in our first question, back in Eden’s Garden. The Lord certainly knows why Judas is there but he wants his “friend” to own up to it.
Why am I here?
to betray the Lord.
Why?
for thirty pieces of silver.
Why?
because I love money more than Him.
Clearly the question made Judas think; he returned the money to the pity-less Jewish leaders and went and killed himself, throwing away the opportunity for Christ to forgive him (which He certainly would have had it only been sought for).
The question of the Lord is asked of us each time we stand face-to-face with a temptation to sin. We like to shut out our conscience that tells us to turn away from the sin and back to Christ. But we need to listen to the Lord as He asks us “What are you doing here?” His question makes us answer: I’m here because I want to sin…
And that answer should–if the heart is soft–turn us away from the temptation and back to the arms of our “Friend.” Next time you’re tempted, remember the question of the Lord: “What are you doing here?” and then respond “Nothing anymore!” and follow Him back to the light.
Have a great day!
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