Shout Out to Ignorant Disciples!

Mark 4:10, 13

When I was younger, I used to wonder how the disciples did not understand Jesus's parables. I mean, it was clear to me. I did not consider that, 1.) I grew up learning them, and 2.) I had the benefit of reading the explanation Jesus had given to them. As I have gotten older though, I really appreciate their ignorance!

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And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable...13 And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?

Mark 4:10, 13

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Just prior to this text, Jesus taught the people the parable of the sower and the soils. It is a great parable and describes how the gospel is received by different people based on how their heart receives the Word of God. It really is a genius story/lesson. But then again, it was taught by the omniscient God of this Universe so it should have been good. While I often find the parables easier to understand, I am often humbled when I read a familiar text and learn something new. I wonder, "How have I not seen this before?" Other times I hear a preacher speaking on a text and see it from a different perspective. I am amazed at the new perspective and knowledge I gain. Again, I wonder why I didn't see that before. I am comforted in the fact that I am not alone in this. We are all disciples learning from the Master!

I am very grateful that they asked the question, "What does this mean?" Had they not asked that question (several times), I might not understand today. I have benefitted greatly from their ignorance. I am less ignorant today because they did not understand but wanted to. That should be the mindset of all of us! We should want to understand when we don't and not be too proud to ask for understanding. James said, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him" (James 1:5).

Father, thank you for giving us your word. Thank you for including in that the questions of your disciples and the answers to their questions. Those questions teach us so much and we benefit from others like us who do not understand but are willing to humbly say, "Please explain what that means". I pray that I am never too proud to ask for understanding.