Help To Understand

Matthew 16:8-11 (NIV®)
“You of little faith, why are you talking among yourselves about having no bread? Do you still not understand? Don’t you remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? How is it you don’t understand that I was not talking to you about bread? But be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”

I just have to smile with commiseration when I read these verses. Jesus’ disciples had been with Him, watching Him, listening to Him, and yet, they still seemed not to get it. Here, they completely miss the spiritual lesson of the conversation, and He finally says, “How is it that you don’t understand?” I can hear the frustration in His voice as He explains one more time. But then, I think about all the times He must have said, “Allen, are you paying attention at all?” I’m so grateful our Lord has never thrown anyone out of class for asking a dumb question. Instead, He is patient to help us understand—again and again.

THINK ABOUT IT
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5).

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, grant me a spirit of wisdom and revelation to know You better. Open the eyes of my understanding to know the hope You have called me to and the magnitude of Your power for those who believe. May the name of Jesus be exalted throughout my life. In His name, amen.