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I Have a Question?

It's not the question that gets my attention. It's when it is asked.

In John 14, we read Jesus telling His disciples to calm down. Actually, see for yourself what Jesus is saying;

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. 2 There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? 3 When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. 4 And you know the way to where I am going.” ~John 14:1-4

One could almost get the idea that Jesus is tucking the disciples into bed, whispering these calming words as a reminder of His promises. That's when Thomas blurts out his question, "Ummm Jesus? Actually we have no idea where you're going. Could you clear that up for us?"

As I read along, it seems strange because we're more than halfway through the book of John. This isn't the story of Jesus recruiting Thomas. This is very likely not the first Thomas is hearing this concept. But Thomas interrupts anyway, like stopping a pastor mid-sermon. (I've seen this happen.)

But Jesus answers the question, reminding Thomas that He is, in act, the way. That's when Philip comes out with a question of his own. This is when it hits me. My guess is that all of the disciples had questions that they wanted to ask. But they hadn't. Why? For the same reason that we don't always ask questions when we're in groups. We don't want to appear stupid. (It's best to disguise this truth when you can.) We don't want Jesus, or anyone else, to assume we haven't been paying attention. (Although the blank stares often give us away.) We don't want to be that guy!

But just like letting all the fizz out of a shaken can of soda, one question by one brave soul leads to another. Knowing that Jesus embodies the patience that comes with love, He answers the questions. I wouldn't be surprised if there were more questions from the disciples that were not recorded.

All of this got me thinking about community. Oftentimes it takes one person to get things rolling. Many of us may be struggling in the same way, with the same questions, with the same needs, with the same hopes... In the same predicament, all of us could be waiting on one of us.

So be that one who reaches out. Make the phone call. Write that note. Ask the question that may be on everyone's mind. And no matter what your question may be, keep in mind the truth that started the questions. We don't have to allow our hearts to be troubled. We can trust in God, in Jesus. Because He is preparing a place for us.
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