Jesus and crew are traveling south by the time we start to read Mark 10. They have entered the region of Judea. The crowds gather and Mark reports that now the Pharisees also come to ask Jesus a question,”Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” Unlike the questions of the followers in Capernaum who wanted to know how to tell the good guys from the bad guys and how to live into the approaching kingdom, these Pharisees are asking Jesus a question to test him. These men knew the Mosaic law and in fact were teachers of the law. Their question is designed to draw Jesus out. Let’s stop right here in our Lenten journey to the cross as reported by Mark and reflect on how the scenarios we reading are leading us closer to the heart of God. So far the stories reported ask questions and Jesus answers, teaching? Jesus welcomes our questions and draws us to himself through them.
Sometimes questions like today are asked to define issues we grapple with. The Pharisee’s question is designed to expose which side of that imaginary line in sand of an issue that Jesus stands on. It is kind of like asking if a person is a Republican or a Democrat today. Admitting one or the other aligns with public media stereotypes and all the garbage being thrown around verbally. We know the verdict has been given in the hearts of those who ask even before we have a chance to answer. A bit differently, in Kenya, a greeting would include questions about which tribe the person is from to determine if they are friend or enemy, if they are of “the people.” The next question might be to clarify which clan a person comes from. Are we Swedish or Norwegian because those ethnic differences are big deals. We might want to know if a person is from the North or the South? Yup, we know some questions are asked to get someone to disclose loyalties and beliefs. Questions are not bad. Sometimes, though, questions are ways of asking deeper questions like if we are friends or to feel out if the person really loves me and wants to be with me. I must also admit that I sometimes choose an evasive answer that leaves others wondering what i really think. I think I am keeping peace in the family that has opposing opinions on any issue.
In the context of Lent, this next section where the Pharisees ask about divorce, first challenges me about questions I bring to God during Lent. Is there a deeper question of God’s love for me. Questions about the death of my husband or friend may cover my sense of vulnerability and loss of identity.
One person asks a question to draw someone out into a debatable stance. The other person might choose to answer “diplomatically” to avoid being perceived as choosing an unpopular opinion. As you chat with God today in prayer, ponder if your questions lead to deeper issues of relationship. Tomorrow we will think about how Jesus answers these questioners but today we want to ponder our own hearts during this Lenten season. What do you want to ask God today?
On the Way to Wonder 