Matthew 13:51 - UNDERSTAND?! - Part 19
Why is He asking me this question? Yes, I understand! Well, not everything but I get most of what He is trying to tell me! Actually I miss quite a lot of what He is saying. OK, OK. I admit it. At times I so don't get it.
My teacher in primary school slammed his cane down on my desk and said "Do you understand?"
My Mum scolded me with the rules of the house numerous times with "Do you understand?"
The Commanding Officer sharing with His Senior ranking Officers about the strategies of a major battle with the enemy says "Do you understand?" UNDERSTANDING is essential, especially when other lives are at stake!
If the preacher on Sunday morning asked me directly after the service "Do you understand these things" I'd have to say "Um.. which part?" but I must admit that it would FOCUS my mind the next time he spoke.
Jesus asks me that question right now and I have to say "No Lord. I don't understand. Please teach me more so that I can understand." He looks at me with eyes that pierce through to the heart and says "To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge..." (Matthew 13:12 NLT). There is no rebuke or condemnation in His voice, but the importance of His words cuts deep into my soul.
Jesus repeats that idea of understanding in Matthew 13 quite a bit. He says "Anyone with ears to hear should LISTEN AND UNDERSTAND" (Matthew 13:9, and 43). At least five times He speaks about the importance of UNDERSTANDING in Matthew 13:9,11,12,23,43. He doesn't want me simply to hear what He teaches me. He wants me to GET IT! He wants me to listen carefully and comprehend His Word. Not only for my sake, but for the sake of others who come under the sphere of my influence. My understanding of His Truth will have an impact on those around me and in some way the world will change. Yes, I know, maybe the impact will be small, but the world has changed each time I get it right and share His Truth.
I notice that even the Disciples don't understand all the time. They ask Jesus a lot of questions. Listening, being honest and asking questions is OK with Jesus. He seems to like the Berean heart. They "searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth" (Acts 17:11 NLT). I can't live it and share His Truth if I don't have some kind of understanding of it.
I just praise God that "All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right" (2 Timothy 3:16 NLT).
When I'm not on track I just have to ask for wisdom (James 1:5) and the Holy Spirit "leads into all truth" (John 14:17). 1 Corinthians 2:16 assures me that I have access to "the mind of Christ". He's in charge of even my understanding when I come under His authority and get to know Him better. That means that I don't have to be some kind of GENIUS when it comes to understanding my Bible.
Jesus said that He IS the Truth (John 14:6). "Fear of the Lord (reverence for Him as King and ruler of my life) is the foundation of true wisdom. All who obey His commandments will grow in wisdom" (Psalms 111:10 NLT).
Jesus says in John 5:39-40 (NLT) “You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to ME! Yet you refuse to come to Me to receive this life."
Jesus looks at me and you today and says "Do you understand these things?" These parables of life and faith. If I am honest I will reply "Not always." The redeeming factor is that I have a relationship with the One who does. That makes all the difference. Every day.
Is it "WHAT you know or WHO you know"? Or is it that "what you know helps you know He who knows you better than you know yourself". UNDERSTANDING = PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER ABOUT CHRIST.
The invitation to understand this morning is the invitation to come under the sphere of His influence for the answers you need in life by coming under His authority and giving your life to Him. God bless you with understanding as you take that incredibly important step today.
Pastor Ross
