Reactions

Paul Luckraft reviews Stephen Bishop’s latest book on the questions posed by Jesus.

This is the latest book from Stephen Bishop, the first title under his own new publishing label, and taking a slightly different format to his previous books, which lends itself well to the book’s purpose. Bishop has chosen 31 of the 300+ questions that Jesus asked, giving each a chapter and challenging us to face up to what God might still be asking us personally and directly today.

Hebraic Discipleship

The introduction sets the scene well by considering why questions are so prevalent in the Gospels. Usually, they are not mere requests for information but are intended to challenge. They demand a response rather than a reply, and are often designed to open something up in the life of the hearer.

Jesus asked his disciples questions as part of their training. He chose questions that really matter - and if we are to be his disciples today, we must face the same questions he asked them. This way, we become more aware of ourselves and what we really think about certain topics and ideas. We then have the chance to allow him to change us.

Jesus asked his disciples questions as part of their training; if we are to be his disciples today, we must face the same questions he asked them.

Taking Jesus’ Questions Personally

Bishop organises the questions in his book into four themed sections: questions about realisation, about restoration, about reaction and about reflection. Each chapter is just three or four pages long, with a single word title which is intended to highlight the essence of the question.

Jesus asked his disciples questions as part of their training; if we are to be his disciples today, we must face the same questions he asked them.

For instance, the first chapter, ‘Searching’, considers the young Jesus’ double-barrelled question to his parents, “Why were you searching for me? Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” (Luke 2:49). After a brief and helpful consideration of the passage from which this is taken, Bishop concludes the chapter with a challenge for us, “Are you searching for God…in the right place?” (p16).

As with all chapters, he then provides a short selection of further questions for personal reflection (though these would also be ideal for discussion in a group study).

Each chapter follows the same format. The question is quoted, then the passage from which it is taken is referenced so that we can read it again in context. Before the brief exposition there is usually an amusing story or illustration from real life to ease us into what the author wants us to learn and the challenge that might face us. Finally, three or four further questions are offered to allow us to continue to reflect either on the passage or our own personal circumstances.

Jesus’ questions demand a response rather than a reply, and are often designed to open something up in the life of the hearer.

Transformative Devotions

This is an excellent book from a writer who is now well into his stride as a communicator and educator. He is well-informed, often humorous, and makes you want to keep on reading - although I suspect the full benefits of the book would come with taking a chapter a day. Here is a month’s worth of daily devotions that could transform your walk with the Lord.

Jesus’ questions demand a response rather than a reply, and are often designed to open something up in the life of the hearer.

In particular, it is good training in how to read the Bible better. Every time you come across a question - and there are many throughout Scripture, not just the Gospels - then stop and think. Is this for me? Are you asking me, God?

‘Are You Asking Me, God? Facing questions that matter’ (Bible-Bish-Books, 2018, 132pp) is available from Amazon for £5.99.

Prophecy Today UK has also reviewed the following books by Stephen Bishop:

• Finding a Place to Settle: The Book of Ruth: Learning to Find God-Gifted Identity (Zaccmedia, 2016)
• Time: Full Stop or Question Mark? (Zaccmedia, 2017)
• Two Minutes Added On (Zaccmedia, 2018)

Read more about the author in our 2018 interview, here.