The document discusses Jesus' approach to apologetics, which involved asking key questions to seek information and clarify misunderstandings, reversing the burden of proof by inquiring about the reasoning behind conclusions, asking leading questions to guide the conversation, and introducing spiritual truths in a timely manner by connecting to people's experiences. The goal was to have compassionate conversations that demonstrated wisdom and the character of an ambassador for God's kingdom.

1. JESUS & COLUMBO
TH363 Apologetics
CCBC-Montebelluna, Italy
Instructor: Rick Harrell, M.Div., M.A.

2. Where did Columbo get his tactic?
■ The Keys to the ColumboTactic is to:
– Ask Key Questions
– Call out Logic fallacies
– Guide the conversation toward the Bridge
– Stay calm, but persistent
– Do it all with compassion
– Demonstrate the wisdom & character of the ”Ambassador” that you
are!

3. Where did Columbo get his tactic?
■ Four Key Questions to remember:
– InformationQuestion.What do you mean by that?
■ Information, clarification, time.
– Reverse the Burden ofTruth Question. How did you come to that
conclusion?
■ Why do you believe that?
– Leading Questions.These take you toward the Bridge.
■ Maintain questions at this stage.Ask about specific points.
– Kairos Questions.This is the timely point to introduce Good News.
■ Would you like to know what Jesus thought or said about that?

4. Jesus & Apologetics
Information & Clarification
■ Who are my mother & brothers? (Mark 3:33)
– Jesus, we know who you are and where you come from.
– Jesus, your mom has come for you. Go quietly with your
keepers.
■ Jesus answered “what do you mean?” Information. My real
family is the person who follows me and does what I do.

5. Jesus & Apologetics
Information & Clarification
■ Why does this generation seek a sign? (Mark 8:12)
– You need our approval, Jesus.
– Show us something we can talk about later.
– Give us one more, Jesus.
■ What do you really want? Clarification. Look at the signs and
wonders around you.You would not need a new one.

6. Jesus & Apologetics
Information & Clarification
■ Why do you trouble her? (Mark 14:6)
– Why did you let her waste this oil (read: money)?
– We could have sold it to help the poor (read: me)?
– She’s not worth it; and you’re not worth it.
■ Why do you care? Clarification. What would make you so
upset about this?You don’t get the priorities (or the money).

7. Jesus & Apologetics
Reverse the Proof – theWhy Question
■ Why do you call me good? (Mark 10:18)
– What kind of work will be enough to get eternal life?
– I’m up to it – I can earn God’s favor, if you can just tell me
what exploits will earn it.
– I keep trying to be good enough, but I know I’m not.
■ Do you see anyone good?Why is your good not good
enough?You need God, the only One good. If you want good,
follow me.

8. Jesus & Apologetics
Reverse the Proof – theWhy Question
■ How can Satan cast out Satan? (Mark 3:23)
– He can’t be from God, so he must be from Satan.
– This is real power, so it must be Satan doing it.
■ How did you come to believe this? (Logic, fellows!) If I’m from
Satan, why would I destroy myself?
– The power is real, but this is God’s Kingdom destroying the
Enemy’s works.

9. Jesus & Apologetics
Reverse the Proof – theWhy Question
■ Really? Haven’t you ever read…? (Mark 2:25)
– Sabbath is more important than people.
■ Don’t you know your Bibles, or the power of God? (Mark
12:24)
– There can’t be a resurrection. It ends when we die.
■ Logic errors. Don’t you guys read? How did you get to this
point?

10. Jesus & Apologetics
Leading Questions
■ Why are you testing me?Who’s image and inscription is this?
(Mark 12:16)
– Declare yourself – for or against Rome?
– We know you “teach the truth” – how do you want to go?
The Roman army? Or the masses?
■ You are fixated on finances – not so important. Most
importantly, become fixed on what God wants.

11. Jesus & Apologetics
Leading Questions
■ Which is easier…? (Mark 2:9)
– Jesus, nobody gets to forgive sins – unless he is God.
– Inferred: Nobody can heal apart from God.
■ You are correct – only God can heal a paralytic.
■ You are correct – only God can make someone clean,
forgiven, and accepted.

12. Jesus & Apologetics
The “Kairos” Question
■ What is your name? (Mark 5:8)
– I’m abandoned and without hope.
– I’m completely given over to evil.
– I’m legion.
■ I see the evil, the hopelessness, and the oppression. But, I
want to call you by your real name. It’s not theoretical. It’s not
philosophical. It’s not even theological. It’s personal.

13. Jesus & Apologetics
The “Kairos” Question
■ Which commandment is first commandment of all?
– Jesus saw a sincere quest.
– No traps, no secret agenda.
– Do you really want to know what is above all?
■ Love God. Love others like you love yourself. Seek this and
you seek the Kingdom.

14. Jesus & Apologetics
The ”Bridge”
Me andYou
(How do we miss the mark?)
• Imperfect
• Untruthful
• Alone/Abandoned
• Greedy for __________
• Lustful
• Controlling
• Selfish
• Restless
God
(What qualities do you value?)
• Love
• Goodness/Kindness
• Joy/Happiness
• Fulfillment
• Purpose
• Truth
• Loyalty/Faithfulness
• Peace
He trades the best ofWho He Is, for the worst of what we are.
“For God so loved the World, that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him
Should not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:16