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The Inquisitive Christ: 12 Engaging Questions

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Journey to know Jesus more deeply through exploring twelve questions He used to engage the human heart.

Giving God permission to ask questions, one question at a time, is a transformative experience. A careful reading of the gospels shows that Jesus taught Kingdom concepts using the Socratic Method, asking over 100 soul-pursuing questions to listeners who didn't expect this of God. This book shows that each gospel question serves as an intimate invitation for today's readers to engage with the Savior-Who-Asks. Examining the soul's insatiable need for engagement, and the relentless pursuit of God, this book will explore twelve questions asked by Jesus, using biblical background material, personal story, in-depth study prompts, and humor, to enter into the richness of Jesus' desire to reach our hearts.


288 pages, Hardcover

Published March 24, 2020

11 people are currently reading
767 people want to read

About the author

Cara L.T. Murphy

3 books10 followers
Cara L. T. Murphy is an American-born, Irish-bred writer and teacher. An instructor with Liberty University's School of Divinity, Cara trains students toward a passion for knowing the God of the Scriptures. With her husband and two daughters, she lives in Virginia and adventures in County Kerry, Ireland, seeking more of God in all the unveiled places. Cara is a pilgrim who reads constantly, cultivates both conversations and her roses, and in all things desires journeying deeper into the wild country of the Living Word. Cara holds a Master of Arts in Religious Studies, specializing in biblical languages. Her book, The Inquisitive Christ, releases March 24, 2020.

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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Profile Image for Lance Lumley.
Author 1 book5 followers
March 20, 2020
This book takes a look at questions that Jesus asked throughout the Bible (along with a few from God in the Old Testament), and tries to answer them in a very detailed manner. The writer is very intelligent in her topic, but at times was over my head with the wording . Questions like "Where Are You" (Garden of Eden), "What Do You Want Me To Do For You," (Jesus healing people), and others are covered.
Some entertaining parts included her tales of moving her family to Ireland and the stories she tells about living there, while intertwining them into the points she is trying to make. This may be over the head for newer Christians, where the book sometimes feels like a Philosophy course, however, those that want more depth to their reading will enjoy this.
For a full review, go to my page at: https://lancewrites.wordpress.com/202...
1 review
March 22, 2020
I was asked to write a review for this book, but I am not sure how to do that when I am at a loss for words. To say that Cara’s text ignited a zeal and exuberance in my heart for greater spiritual transparency and intimacy would be an understatement. The book did that, but so much more. By the time I was rounding the corner on Chapter 2, it was as though someone changed the color setting on the filter of my soul. Her words began to add a texture and vividness to my perspective that I did not even realize was missing. One thing is certain, this book offered an injection of perspective, hope, and energy that I have not experienced in some time. With each turn of the page, I felt a deeper drawing toward this inquisitive Savior. Add to that the fact that it’s just a fun read, and you will see that this book is going to captivate your heart and ignite your soul in ways you never dreamed possible!
1 review
March 24, 2020
It didn't take but the first few pages of The Inquisitive Christ to become absolutely enamored with it's transcendent imagery and wisdom. I was brought so close to the emotions of life and the majesty of our Creator in the beautiful writing of Cara Murphy. Her narrations force you to confront the often times suppressed questions and doubts that we all face in this long journey of faith with genuine stories of personal struggle and triumph, as well as the ever-brilliant minds of Elvis Presley and J. R. R. Tolkien!! This book in short is NOT to propel "slumbering christianity" but only for those brave enough to accept the perfectly reckless life Jesus desperately calls each of us to.
1 review
March 20, 2020
This is a beautifully written and compelling book, one I will continue to come back to again and again. Multiple reads continue to peel back the layers of these 12 engaging questions of Jesus that are as relevant today as they were when he first asked them. Through biblical background, explanation of Greek roots, and a storytelling approach, the author “brings to life” the gospel narratives in a fresh and relevant way. I especially loved the gospel retelling, which enabled me to see Jesus in a more personal and tangible way. In reading this book and sitting with these questions, I have been drawn deeper into relationship with God, who I know desires this with his people. Whether you are exploring Jesus or desiring to draw deeper into intimacy with the God who created you and knows you, this book is a must read!
Profile Image for Jess Combs.
149 reviews18 followers
December 15, 2020
I can't recommend this book enough! As the title says, it goes through 12 questions asked by Jesus in the New Testament, but it's so much more than just answers to 12 questions! The author uses such vivid language to really put you there, in the stories, face to face with Christ as he asks you seemingly simple questions and draws out your heart, faith, and answers your inner doubts and fears with love, compassion, and patience. About the only semi-negative thing I can say about "The Inquisitive Christ: 12 Engaging Questions" is that there were so many more than just the twelve "main" questions that headline each chapter, I often wondered why they went with "12 Engaging Questions" in the title, instead of just leaving it "The Inquisitive Christ."
1 review
March 23, 2020
I hesitate to comment on The Inquisitive Christ because it is so difficult to express the transforming power of Cara’s words in this book. She reveals the kind, sweet invitation from Jesus to know him deeply and intimately. Aha moments are on every page and the joy of understanding things that resonate with your soul make it a book you can’t put down. Her words flow like beautiful poetry, I am confident the Lord spoke through her. I will read it many times, and want everyone to read it. Can’t wait to start book study groups using The Inquistive Christ. Thank you, so much Cara for this amazing blessing.
1 review
March 24, 2020
Murphy couldn't have known it at the time, but the release of her book, "The Inquisitive Christ" during a world-wide pandemic could not be more timely. Her insight points us to what has been in front of us all along; a Christ who cares enough to ask us questions, a Christ who gets us to reflect on the state of our faith and our hearts. With beautiful prose and deep insight, we are lead into a deeper understanding and intimacy with Christ for such a time as this.
3 reviews
April 18, 2020
Some books appeal to our spiritual intellect, some to our yearning hearts, and yet others to our artistic whimsy. The Inquisitive Christ achieves all three. With relatable storytelling, delightful wordplay, and a depth of Biblical study, Cara Murphy brings Jesus’ probing questions to life in our hearts, awakening our hunger to connect with a compassionate, searching Savior. I would argue that a more noble subject matter could not be found...than this which amplifies Jesus’ inquisitive pursuit of our whole selves.
1 review
March 25, 2020
Can’t say enough good things about this book! One of the most engaging and insightful (not to mention beautifully written) books I’ve read in a long time
1 review
March 27, 2020
The title of this book intrigued me but I wasn’t quite sure where the author was going to go with it. What I discovered was an inventive way of looking through the lens of Christ’s relationships. By “inquisitive,” the author seeks to analyze twelve introspective questions Christ asked. For example, “Where is Your Faith?” “Do You Not Yet Understand?” and “How Can You Ask—Where Is the Father?” Stylistically, the book is a very nice blend of theological analysis and personal experience. The author writes in a relatable fashion, carries readers into the storyline, and then draws clear connections to the biblical narrative. In addition, she ends each chapter with paragraphs dedicated to contemplation and reflection in order to ensure readers go beyond mere cognitive and emotional connection with the content—it is apparent her intent is for readers to personalize the questions of Christ and to recognize why his questions are just as relevant to us today as they were when they were originally spoken. I found Murphy’s writing to be vivid, compelling, and memorable—an engaging book on all levels that challenged me to wrestle with the significance of Christ’s questions.
13 reviews2 followers
August 7, 2020
There are few constants in this world. Some would claim the only two are "death and taxes." I would suggest at least one more: questions. People are constantly questioning. Parents especially know how constant questions arise. From toddlers to teenagers and into adulthood, we constantly question everything around us. Questions are often a useful tool to help us learn more about our world and our place in it. Many times questioning leads us to places we were not expecting. We do not, however, often like questions asked of us when they will prompt us to think about ourselves. We do not want our own motives or actions questioned. We are happy to question others, but do not reciprocate the feeling when the questions are asked of us.

In The Inquisitive Christ, Cara Murphy presents 12 of Jesus' questions from the Gospels which are designed to point toward the truth that we are not forgotten or abandoned. God is always near and is working out His plan for us and for humanity. Mrs. Murphy holds an MA in religious studies and is an adjunct faculty at Liberty University where she is also an Instructional Mentor.*

Mrs. Murphy addresses one of Jesus' questions per chapter. In Part I, Jesus' questions of faith on a general level engage whether one has faith and if it is fully in Him as He commands. Mrs. Murphy argues that we, especially 21st century Westerners, are taught not to trust those who ask for our allegiance (12). Yet, while we avoid placing our trust in people, we know that we need to be able to trust. In addition, living in a fallen world has helped this questioning of authority to continue. It is only in Jesus that we find one in whom we can truly trust.

Part II moves into questions asked of us early in our faith journey. Murphy argues that Jesus asks us to wake up from our spiritual exhaustion, knowing we rest in the Father's arms and not in our own power. In knowing this, we can find rest in the fact that the all-powerful Father also wants to meet the desires of our restored hearts (87). Still, we do not often rest in this truth. Mrs. Murphy argues that it was God's love that draws us to Him since we so often desire to run away from Him.

In Part III, Mrs. Murphy turns inward for the believer to reflect on God's presence. We often do not recognize God's intimate presence. We live in a unique time where we believe ourselves intimate with others, but many of our relationships solely exist in the social media sphere where our "intimacy" is not nearly what we think it is. In contrast, Mrs. Murphy argues Jesus challenges His disciples to recognize His presence in daily life and to have a true relationship with Him. Jesus is always present with us, yet we avoid truly knowing Him. If we avoid knowing Him, we don't fully understand who the Father is. We think of God as an imaginary friend rather than the One who created everything and who loves us. Recognizing this and sitting with Jesus' description of the Father that is contrary to this, helps us draw nearer to Him.

Finally, Part IV engages some very practical questions in the life of the believer. Mrs. Murphy argues that Jesus expects much from us, and encourages us to join Him in the restoration of His world. Jesus calls us to trust in His provision for us. He also expects us to follow Him in His plan for the world. This process is painful (188) and requires us to remember Who we are working with (203). As part of this process, we are to draw others to see Jesus as He has revealed Himself rather than to draw them to our own presentation of who Jesus is (230). If we do this, we're promoting ourselves rather than Jesus. In doing this, we would break our covenant with the Son and lose our saltiness. Jesus' questions drive us to remember to keep Him the center of our lives. We keep Him as the focus of our attention. We can do none of this on our own. That is part of the joyful part of following Jesus. We can rest in the truth that God is the one in control and He is the one working through us for His honor and His glory.

If there is one area of criticism, it is that Mrs. Murphy focuses heavily on the specific Greek terms used in several of the questions. Each chapter after chapter 3 includes at least one reference to the meaning of a particular word in the question that Jesus asks. At times this feels forced as there can be a broad semantic range for several of the terms used. However, I am not the Greek scholar that Mrs. Murphy is as she has co-written a workbook on the subject.

One aspect of the book that I appreciated was Mrs. Murphy's desire to make the book accessible. The questions that she selected have a clear focus. The logic of her argument flows naturally from question to question. But the goal is not simply to accept her conclusions. Fitting for a book about questions, Mrs. Murphy ends each chapter with a set of Lectio Divina exercises and reflection questions. These exercises and questions encourage you to experience Jesus' questions on a deeper level than only the intellectual. This helps keep one's feet on the ground and see how the point being made is applicable to one's life.

Cara is an excellent storyteller. You will be trapped in her story and then hit by a perfectly timed turn to drive her point home. I would recommend this book to anyone wishing to engage their faith more deeply.

*Disclaimer: Cara Murphy and I work closely together at Liberty University. She is my own Instructional Mentor. I have greatly appreciated her guidance and encouragement throughout the time we've known each other. She only knows I'm writing a review, but I did not receive an advance copy, nor did she ask for a positive review.
330 reviews2 followers
April 13, 2020
Disclosure: The publisher requires me to tell you that they sent me a copy of this book for free, because I am a blogger. I will also say, I only ask for books that I am interested in reading and think might be beneficial in one aspect of my ministry or another. Such is the case with this book.

The Inquisitive Christ is a fantastic book that I thoroughly enjoyed. The book deals with twelve questions that Jesus asked of various people in Scripture. Ms. Murphy mines rich gems from these questions to help modern day readers to really examine their lives in light of Jesus' teachings. This is a superb book. One example is Jesus asking the man at the pool if he wants to be well. What first seems like a "duh" moment (if it weren't for the fact that it's Jesus asking the question) really bears a deeper meaning. We all have things in our lives that we would like to change but when all is said and done, do we have the will to actually make the change and do we really want to change?

Now at times, I have read non fictions books especially ones with a theological emphasis that have been a little "dry." Such is not the case with this book. Cara L.T. Murphy is a brilliant story teller. When she is retelling a Bible story, she walks the line of fleshing out the story without straying into adding anything that might take it out of the realm of being biblical, and she does this nearly flawlessly. I am hesitant to say that she brings the Bible to life, because I believe that the Bible is alive with no help needed from us. That being said she does make the reader feel as if they are in the room with our Lord while the events are happening. Further she tells related stories from her personal life that really add to the points she is trying to make. Her use of language feels poetic and yet highly relatable. Ms. Murphy ends each chapter with a "Lectio Divina" section that further urges the reader to put themselves in the story. I have done "Lectio Divina" numerous times but never like this. This is the first time I have found it fulfilling. Finally each chapter has a series of study questions adding to the applications the reader can make. This is a five star book. I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to reading more from Ms. Murphy.
Profile Image for Jill.
421 reviews
March 29, 2020
In "The Inquisitive Christ", author Cara L.T. Murphy discusses 12 questions Jesus asked in the Gospels. When you consider the questions He asked, you realize that He spoke to the needs of the people around Him at the time.  Each question also deals with issues we are walking through today--from faith (mistrust) to healing (wanting to be well) and intimacy with Christ.

At the end of each chapter, Murphy includes a Lectio Divina exercise and questions for reflection.  While not her intention, I found it more helpful to read these first before diving into the chapter reading. An appendix with 100 questions Jesus asked is a very helpful tool to further your journaling/study time.

As with most Christian Living/Spiritual Growth books, you will get more out of some chapters than others. "The Inquisitive Christ" can be read in chapter order, or you can choose to skip around to the question you may be dealing with at the moment.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Hatchette Book Group, as part of their Book Review Blogger Program.  The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Profile Image for David Ochabski.
Author 4 books6 followers
February 25, 2022
Cara Murphy received her Master of Arts in Religious Studies focusing on biblical languages and is an instructor mentor at Liberty University’s John W. Rawlings School of Divinity. The aim of this book is to refocus from engaging with questions asked by fallen man and reengage with questions offered by God. She does this by choosing a dozen questions in the Gospel narratives posed by Jesus, titling each chapter by individual questions asked (such as “Why are You Sleeping,” and “Still You Do Not Know Me?”). The book is arranged into four parts: “Breaching the Barricade of Doubt,” “Pushing Against the Natural,” “Joining the Intimate Conversation,” and “Entering a Deeper Commitment.” Each chapter opens with a relevant verse, intriguing quote, then an elegant blend of the concepts underlying Christ’s questions and excursus on personal memories and anecdotes, then ending with a lectio divina, and questions for reflection. The book is recommended for the church ministers and for anyone in the general public who may have trouble articulating questions concerning their faith.

Reviewed for Eleutheria, Liberty divinity journal (Volume 5, Issue 2).
Profile Image for Grace Willis.
9 reviews
March 6, 2025
“The questions of Jesus are as present and primal as salt, piercing through the heavy, dark slumber of this world like unquenched constellations. In constant persistence, he humbled himself and offers a question that would transform our very souls. His questions are the evidence of God’s relentless engagement.”

God desires relationship and he invites us in by asking questions. These simple questions are not as simple as they seem. They invite you to search the depths of your heart. Jesus asks us to self-reflect. He offers our heart a seat at the table. Will we accept his offer?
Profile Image for Brian.
85 reviews
August 9, 2023
Basically a repeat of points and conclusions found both in the Bible itself and numerous other Christian nonfiction books. The takeaways for me were: keep God in your daily life and don’t be afraid to ask God questions. May not be the book that will convert nonbelievers, but one that may help believers who need some encouragement.
Profile Image for Anne Marie.
334 reviews8 followers
Want to read
April 3, 2020
This book was so beautifully written. I love to read anything on the zLord Jesus Christ. I highly recommend this book for all you want to know him even more.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Faithwords for my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Ron.
2,659 reviews10 followers
April 7, 2025
I read this book looking for material for a class centered around questions that Jesus asked. While this book was interesting, it felt more like a devotional read for an individual rather than a read that would work for a class setting. Each chapter ends with some reflection questions.
Profile Image for Ceri.
15 reviews
October 2, 2025
Yeah, so besides the bible, this book would be my number one recommended read. I actually cried while reading some of the chapters because of her prophetic writing. She revealed Christ in such a deep relational way. This book is truly a GIFT.
1 review
July 11, 2022
I had the honor of having professor Murphy last semester. She was incredible. This book was an awesome help for studying Jesus. I will read it again and again.
Profile Image for Brandi.
1,404 reviews35 followers
March 31, 2020
A brilliant explanation of our curious nature! The Inquisitive Christ is a well written collection of reflective essays. Murphy uses personal experience, stories from Scripture and examples of Jesus to weave captivating, thought provoking questions to breathe new life into our faith. The writing is smooth, simple enough for those who want to read it at face value, and meaty enough for those who want to feast on the deep truths. Every chapter ends with a section of contemplation and discussion and then a section for reflection. I highly recommend grabbing a journal and then scheduling a coffee date or meeting with a close friend to help cultivate some of the truths that will be stirred in your own heart.
I received a complimentary of this book and all opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Vinnie Santini.
52 reviews5 followers
April 20, 2020
Cara Murphy’s The Inquisitive Christ is personal, engaging, and inviting. From the beginning you are led on parallel adventures of Cara’s life and the life of Christ. The Bible, Cara’s walk with Christ, and your personal story will converge at the end of each chapter with a Lectio Divina and Further Reflections. The book makes you engage with God. The questions that are asked by Christ have been opened up by Cara and revealed in a fresh light. They cause us to grab hold of God with all we have. We learn that God wants us to ask Him our deepest, most difficult questions. He wants us to wrestle with Him and as we do, we discover we can trust him to never leave our side.
Profile Image for Mae Clair.
Author 24 books566 followers
November 5, 2023
A book to lose yourself in, to truly spend time with. The writing is both beautiful and dense, the lessons, ones that seep beneath your skin and sink into your soul. The author looks at twelve questions posed by Jesus in the New Testament. Questions that dig deep into our spiritual walk and relationship with God, the Father, and His son. I love the familiar way in which Jesus is presented and how truly accessible God is to us. I highlighted so many passages, I lost track.
A wonderful book of teaching to build and strengthen faith.
Profile Image for Tre Brickley.
68 reviews
December 12, 2025
I do not typically read devotional material. This book was a diamond in the rough. I found myself drawn closer to God through the contemplation of this book.
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