Ask Me, And I Will, Answer You

Scripture: Matthew 24:3

As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. "Tell us," they said, "when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?"

Commentary:
Jesus was speaking with the disciples about perilous times, and when the end of the age would come. They had asked Him in privately, when these things would be? They waited until no one else was around before they asked their teacher this question. There are certain things that should only be discussed in private, and only with the teacher of our faith; because he is the only one that can answer some of the questions that we have.

Jesus was always so patient with the disciples. He never told the disciples that He was too busy to talk with them, and for them to come back later. Even though He had a designated purpose in life, He always took the time to teach,  lead, and sometimes even rebuke; those whom God had given Him. However, because of the relationship between the disciples and Jesus, they knew when to approach Him with questions.

In this incidence, Jesus was sitting; not actively engaged in speaking, healing the sick, raising the dead, or rebuking the scribes, or the pharisees. Therefore, this is when the disciples approached Him. There was no question that the disciples asked, that Jesus did not answer. Sometimes he answered their questions with parables, and other times He answered them directly. Jesus explained things over and over again, to insure that the disciples understood Him. He also told them things in advance, so they would be prepared for what was to come.

Reflection:
We can also go to God in prayer about questions that we may have about the kingdom of God, or otherwise. It does not matter what the question is. He will answer us, if we ask Him. If the disciples could go to Jesus in private, and ask questions; how much more can we do the same today? Going to God in prayer, and talking with Him, and listening to Him; is a privilege that we all have as believers in Him. We do not have to be in the dark about anything, because He is light; and in Him there is no darkness. Jesus represents clarity in all matters. He is the opposite of confusion. He brings understanding, through the wisdom, and knowledge of Him; and all that He represents. Let us be quick to go to our heavenly Father, with questions that we may have, so that He will give us the answers that we seek.

Prayer:
Father God, I thank you that there is no question that I cannot ask you, and that you will always answer me. When there is something that I do not understand, you will reveal it to me in your Word. I thank and praise you for the relationship that you have made possible with you, through the shedding of your Son's blood. I do not take it lightly that you have went through so much to make sure that I can have a relationship with you. I know that beyond a shadow of a doubt, that if I ask you a question, you will answer me. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.

Strong's Concordance Definitions:

As he was sitting: 2521
1) to sit down, seat one's self
2) to sit, be seated, of a place occupied
a) to have a fixed abode, to dwell

To him privately: 2596
1) down from, through out
2) according to, toward, along

Tell : 3004
1) to say, to speak

us, when: 4219
1) when?, at what time?

happen: 1510
1) to be, to exist, to happen, to be present

will be the sign: 4592
1) a sign, mark, token

a) that by which a person or a thing is distinguished from others and is known
b) a sign, prodigy, portent, i.e. an unusual occurrence, transcending the common course of nature
1) of signs portending remarkable events soon to happen
2) of miracles and wonders by which God authenticates the men sent by him, or by which men prove that the cause they are pleading is God's
a) affirm over, maintain
b) to teach
c) to exhort, advise, to command, direct
d) to point out with words, intend, mean, mean to say
e) to call by name, to call, name
f) to speak out, speak of, mention

of your coming: 3592
1) presence

2) the coming, arrival, advent
a) the future visible return from heaven of Jesus, to raise the dead, hold the last judgment, and set up formally and gloriously the kingdom of God

and of the end: 4930
1) completion, consummation, end

of the age: 165
1) for ever, an unbroken age, perpetuity of time, eternity

2) the worlds, universe
3) period of time, age

References:
Blue Letter Bible. "Gospel of Matthew 24 - (NIV - New International Version)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2010. 7 Feb 2010. http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Mat&c=24&t=NIV

Higgins, S. (2010) Ask Me, And I Will, Answer You. Devotions for Thought. Higgins Publishing. Http://www.devotionsforthought.blogspot.com, Http://www.higginspublishing.com