Jesus sometimes asked the audience questions.
Some questions were genuinely seeking response.
Some were rhetorical. He did not expect an answer.
Some were dramatic where he asked a question and then answered it himself.
Genuine question asked by Jesus of listener
Often the speaker will ask a question of the audience. This is a common way to get attention because the voice naturally goes up at the end of questions.
A question is usually simply put and from the point of view of an ordinary person
Eg. How do you feel about the roads here?
Eg. Are you happy with the tax rate?
Eg. What made you come out tonight?
Asking the question however does some other things. It lets the listener know his view is being heard. It asks the listener to engage.
Jesus, because he was divine, knew the situation entirely and likely outcomes. But he wanted people to reflect on what they were doing. He had an answer in mind but wanted them to think about it.
We can also notice that this is not the nagging egotistical question of a bully. It is not “So you sure messed up didn’t you?”
His questions ask for genuine feedback, and will respect the answer
He forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?
is not life more than meat and the body more than raiment?
Which of you intending to build a tower sitteth not down first and counteth the cost?
who then is that faithful and wise steward?
whom do men say that I the son of man am? But whom say ye that I am?
whom say the people that I am? But whom say ye that I am?
Jesus repeats the question with deeper meaning the second time
Simon son of Jonas lovest thou me? Simon son of Jonas lovest thou me?
Rhetorical question
Sometimes the speaker waits for an answer and then uses it to proceed. Often however the speaker does not expect an answer and the question was rhetorical. Sometimes the answer was just obvious.
How much more are ye better than the fowls?
How long shall I be with you? How long shall I suffer you?
Are there not twelve hours in a day?
are ye also without understanding?
could ye not watch with me one hour?
How is it that ye do not discern this?
Know ye not this parable?
Unto what is the kingdom of God like?
whereunto shall I liken the kingdom of God?
Question Jesus asked then answered himself
doth he thank the servant because he did the things commanded him? I trow not
Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you nay, but rather division
Suppose ye that these were sinners above all Galileans? I tell you Nay
Think ye that they were sinners above all men in Jerusalem? I tell you Nay.
Shall not God avenge his own which cry day and night? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily
Speech Style of Jesus 