Topical Bible: Curiosity: To Know What Was Being Done With Jesus

◄ Curiosity: To Know What Was Being Done With Jesus ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Curiosity, as a human trait, is often depicted in the Bible as a desire to understand or learn what is happening, particularly in relation to the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. This curiosity is evident in various accounts throughout the Gospels, where individuals and groups sought to know more about Jesus, His teachings, and His actions.

Herod's Curiosity

One of the most notable examples of curiosity concerning Jesus is found in the account of Herod Antipas. Herod had heard of Jesus' growing fame and was perplexed by the reports of His miraculous works. In Luke 9:9 , Herod expresses his curiosity: "But Herod said, 'I beheaded John. Who, then, is this I hear such things about?' And he kept trying to see Him." Herod's curiosity was driven by a mix of fear, intrigue, and a desire to witness the miraculous for himself.

The Crowds and Their Curiosity

The multitudes that followed Jesus were often driven by curiosity. They sought to see His miracles, hear His teachings, and understand His identity. In John 6:2 , it is recorded, "A large crowd followed Him because they saw the signs He was performing on the sick." This curiosity was not merely passive; it led people to travel great distances and endure hardships to be near Jesus.

The Disciples' Curiosity

Even Jesus' own disciples exhibited curiosity about His mission and the unfolding of God's plan. In Mark 4:10-11 , after Jesus spoke in parables, "When He was alone, the Twelve and the others around Him asked Him about the parables. He told them, 'The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you.'" The disciples' curiosity was a catalyst for deeper revelation and understanding, as they sought to comprehend the mysteries of the Kingdom.

The Pharisees and Scribes

The religious leaders of the time, including the Pharisees and scribes, also displayed curiosity about Jesus, though often with a critical or skeptical eye. In Luke 5:21 , after Jesus forgave the sins of a paralytic, "The scribes and Pharisees began to think to themselves, 'Who is this man who speaks blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God alone?'" Their curiosity was often intertwined with suspicion and a desire to challenge Jesus' authority.

Pilate's Curiosity

Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, exhibited a form of curiosity during the trial of Jesus. In John 18:33 , Pilate questions Jesus, asking, "Are You the King of the Jews?" Pilate's curiosity was part of his attempt to understand the charges against Jesus and the nature of His kingship, which was unlike any earthly rule.

Conclusion

Curiosity about Jesus, as depicted in the Bible, ranges from genuine seeking to skeptical inquiry. It reflects the diverse responses of individuals and groups to the person and work of Jesus Christ, highlighting the profound impact of His presence and the enduring quest to understand His divine mission.

Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 26:1
And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said to his disciples,
Nave's Topical Index

Library

That we must Avoid all Curiosity, and Humbly Acquiesce in God's ...
... reasonings too high in divine things by curiosity we grow ... than the other was received,
the causes being equal as ... to inquire, since it is enough to know that it ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter vii that we must.htm

Jesus is Arrested.
... sent by the friends of Jesus to know what was going on, or possibly simply incited
by curiosity and anxiety ... it was done without any order being presented or ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter iii jesus is arrested.htm

Jesus Before Pilate.
... I must know more about it than you.' This obliged the enemies of ... of the Jews, and
even examined them with some curiosity; although of course, being a pagan ...
/.../chapter xvii jesus before pilate.htm

Acts XXVI
... (11) And in all the synagogues I punished them often, compelling them to blaspheme;
and being exceedingly mad against ... Their curiosity to know what produced ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xxvi.htm

Do You Know Him?
... Your curiosity now knows no bounds. But you are informed that this wondrous being
has not only done ... he overcame the Nervii;" but they do not know Caesar himself ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/do you know him.htm

Jesus and the Blind Man.
... This question may have been asked out of curiosity. ... ground in clinging to Moses,
but as to being the disciple of "this fellow, they do not even know whence he ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/jesus and the blind man.htm

The Folly and Danger of Being not Righteous Enough
... are Christians; do not flatter yourselves with being righteous enough ... are come here
this night out of curiosity to hear ... here; many, very many of you know he has ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the folly and danger of.htm

When Shall These Things Be?
... the future was neither meant to gratify idle curiosity nor to ... us all at a time which
we know not, as ... and the less gross cares of life, being neither stupefied ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/when shall these things be.htm

For the Candid and Thoughtful
... suggested"suggested, I think, by no idle curiosity, but very ... might infer from the
little we do know, I should ... was from the unworthy motive of being swayed by ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 26 1880/for the candid and thoughtful.htm

First Stage of the Roman Trial. Jesus Before Pilate for the First ...
... would have been the one most likely to know it. ... had been born, thus entering a new
state of being, and he ... his purpose as a judge, he stifles his curiosity as a ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cxxix first stage of the.htm