Have you noticed that in much theological debate in church history and today, the questions usually can be categorized as “Why?” and “How?” Often the debate quickly generates into proof-texting, using the texts to argue for our opinions and against the opinions of the opposing side.
One example is the question raised by the disciples when Jesus restored the eyesight of the man blind from birth.[1] At first glance, it appears that the disciples were asking a Who? and What? question. However, Jesus’ answer went to the heart of the issue. They were really asking “Why? and How? Why was he born blind? They wanted to know if it was because of his birth. Sin was a how answer.
Asking how and why questions are really seeking a judgment regarding the present circumstances. It assumes we know the right answers, or at least are seeking the right answers. But actually, it is the assumption that we can know when in fact, the how and why are often questions God has not answered, at least not directly.
Notice how Jesus answered their question.
Jesus answered, "It was neither that this man sinned, nor his parents; but it was in order that the works of God might be displayed in him. "We must work the works of Him who sent Me, as long as it is day; night is coming, when no man can work. "While I am in the world, I am the light of the world."[2]
It was Who, God, and What gave the man his sight. It was who, "we," and what, "do the works of Him Who" sent Jesus.
Here is a second illustration. Jesus learned that His friend, the brother of Mary and Martha was sick.[3] The sisters came to Jesus requesting His immediate assistance and appealed on the basis of His love for Lazarus. It is important to notice the basis of their appeal is philia, not agape. Instead of going immediately to save Lazarus from death, Jesus stayed two more days during which time Lazarus died. Once He acted, it took four days total for Jesus to arrive at the place where Lazarus was.
John explains the answer Jesus gives to His disciples to their unspoken questions, why and how. Why did You let him die and how are You going to show Your love to him? Notice the change in the term for “love.” John says that Jesus “loved” (agape) Mary and Martha and Lazarus. In this simple statement and the change in the terms for love in this context from philia to agape, the questions were turned from why and how to Who and what.
It was God’s will, Who,? that Lazarus died. It was this demonstration of agape, that was going to demonstrate what love is. This is the definition of agape love, doing the will of God. It is in this statement and this context that once and for all we find the definition of true biblical love.
Think how much ink and paper could be saved if we didn’t keep asking Why angels stand on the head of a pin? and how so many can stand there? Think how many trees we would save.
I’m being ironic, but this is serious. In any theological discussion, instead of arguing over how we can be saved or why God would choose to save us, we need to focus on His Word. It almost always comes down to Who it is and what He does that saves. Who needs to be saved and what we need to do to be saved.
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[1] Jn 9:1-41.
[2] Jn 9:3-5.
[3] Jn 11:1-57.