In the book of Luke, we see a story of Jesus as a twelve year old boy. He was accidentally left in Jerusalem by his parents and spent three days "sitting in the Temple with the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions" (Luke 2:46). What a fascinating look into the life of God as a human... going through the normal growth steps for Jewish boys... being trained in the style of Rabbis (Jewish teachers) where questions were the most important thing you could talk about. Can you imagine?... God, asking men questions about what they think about Him or His word? And, even more ridiculous... listening to them as they responded?
What kind of a God is this? What kind of an all-powerful, all-knowing, deity would subject himself to be questioned by His creation?
Fortunately, the kind of God that would do this is a loving, compassionate, understanding, patient, gracious, merciful God... the kind that is not scared of our lack of faith... the kind that is not scared of our questions and inconsistencies... the kind of God that is YHWH (Yahweh, Jehovah, Almighty, God the Father, etc.).
Over the last seven days, I have had a ton of conversations with people that have revolved around questions about God. The conversations have been incredible. In the conversations, all of us have had questions. None of us have had all the answers. Our lack of answers have brought up even more questions. And, God, has patiently listened to it all. Even more than that, I think he's been a part of those conversations and has watched us learn and grow... in the same way that a twelve-year-old-Jesus modeled for us 2,000 years ago.
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Great post man. I actually just taught on this passage this past Wednesday night. Not only is His unbelievable humility shown here, but also His obedience to both God and human authority. The Creator of the universe submitted and obeyed a woman that ultimately He created.
Even throughout the OT we see men of faith questioning the Almighty God and living to tell the story. David, Job, Habakuk, Jonah, etc. all came before God with complaints and questions, which He answered in love (although sometimes tough love) and through that lead them to a greater understanding of who He is. Thank God that even though I am unfaithful, He remains faithful. Be well my friend.
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