Twenty Questions Jesus Asked

by John Pritchard

Publisher:

SPCK Publishing

, 2022

Overview

‘In this wonderful book, John Pritchard draws you into twenty of Jesus’ most important questions, which ring as true today as ever they did. I loved it.’ PAULA GOODER, CHANCELLOR OF ST PAUL’S CATHEDRAL, LONDON

We usually think of Jesus as preaching and teaching, but throughout the gospels he is often asking questions – searching enquiries, that disarm the hearers into responding unreservedly and provide some of the most profound lessons in the New Testament.

But what were the questions that Jesus asked? And how can we learn from them today?

Twenty Questions Jesus Asked explores just that. Over four distinct sections, John Pritchard explores twenty of Jesus’ conversations by imagining the experience of those being questioned and reflecting on their significance for us as modern Christians.

With contemporary stories, questions for reflection and prayer exercises, Twenty Questions Jesus Asked is a brilliant book for both individual and small group use. With his characteristic grounded thoughtfulness, John Pritchard guides us through Jesus’ questions and helps us better understand the lessons he was trying to impart, so that we can grow as disciples and apply Jesus’ wisdom to every day life.

Contents

Contents
A word at the beginning ix
1 ‘What are you looking for?’ John 1.38 (35-42) 1
2 ‘Woman, what concern is that to you and to me?’ John 2.4 (1-12) 8
3 ‘Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things?’ John 3.10 (1-16) 17
4 ‘Why are you afraid?’ Mark 4.40 (35-41) 24
5 ‘What is your name?’ Mark 5.9 (1-20) 31
6 ‘Who touched my clothes?’ Mark 5.30 (21-40) 38
7 ‘What did you go out into the wilderness to look at?’ Luke 7.24 (18-35) 46
8 ‘Do you also wish to go away?’ John 6.67 (52-71) 54
9 ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Mark 8.29 (27-38) 62
10 ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ Mark 10.51 (46-52) 69
11 ‘Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbour to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?’ Luke 10.36 (25-37) 77
12 ‘Has no one condemned you?’ John 8.10 (1-11) 85
13 ‘Whose head is this, and whose title?’ Mark 12.16 (13-17) 92
14 ‘Do you know what I have done to you?’ John 13.12 (1-20) 100
15 ‘Are you asleep?’ Mark 14.37 (32-42) 107
16 ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’ Mark 15.34 (25-41) 115
17 ‘Why are you weeping? Who are you looking for?’ John 20.15 (1-18) 122
18 ‘Have you believed because you have seen me?’ John 20.29 (19-29) 130
19 ‘What are you discussing with each other?’ Luke 24.17 (13-35) 139
20 ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ John 21.16 (15-22) 147
A last word 155
Acknowledgements 158
Notes 160

Praise for Twenty Questions Jesus Asked

With his usual wisdom and good humour, John Pritchard writes for anyone and everyone curious about the varied work of ministry. This book will refresh and illuminate your perspective on what it means to participate in the growing of God’s Kingdom.

Unusually honest . . . superbly well focused.

A very good book by an exceptional leader . . . takes one back to the face of Christ and the realities of Christian discipleship.

Dipping again into John Pritchard’s The Life and Work of a Priest for this review reminded me what a remarkable, wise, and humane book it is. It covers just about everything parish life might throw at clergy. Well, not quite everything. If you’re troubled by sylvan revels or cohabiting bandits, I’m afraid you’re on your own.

Product Details

• Title: Twenty Questions Jesus Asked
• Author: John Pritchard
• Publisher: SPCK Publishing
• Print Publication Date: 2022
• Logos Release Date: 2022
• Pages: 176
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Ebook
• ISBNs: 9780281085651, 9780281085644, 0281085641, 028108565X
• Resource ID: LLS:9780281085651
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2025-04-22T22:46:53Z

About John Pritchard

John Pritchard was bishop of Oxford until his retirement in 2014. He was formerly bishop of Jarrow, and before that, archdeacon of Canterbury. He has served in parishes in Birmingham and Taunton, and has been Diocesan Youth Officer for Bath and Wells Diocese. He is also the author of The Intercessions Handbook, Beginning Again, How to Pray, and Living Easter through the Year.