Spiritual understanding

Matthew 13: 47 - 53

"Have you understood all these things?" Jesus asked. "Yes," they replied.

The disciples had received a long teaching discourse filled with parables and now their Teacher, like all good teachers checks for understanding. The disciples readily say that they understand. Throughout this discourse, there has been mention of many who in comparison did not listen and understand. Jesus must have been well pleased with his disciples and reminds them that those who have been instructed will in turn share what they have received (their treasure) for the benefit of others. Indeed the Great Commission involves 'teaching' others all that we have been taught by our Lord.

I find that throughout my Christian life, there have been many times when I thought I 'understood', only to discover some time later that my understanding of who God is and how he operates is challenged. Yes, Jesus' teaching here about the kingdom seems quite straightforward. However, if I ask myself where my understanding is taking me, I must admit that there are many levels of understanding. One can declare understanding, yet have done so only on the intellectual (head) level. As such, the person's life will hardly be transformed by that knowledge. Others bypass the need to 'understand' - their faith is a matter of just following the crowd. Yet, others who 'understand' would have pondered long and deep the consequences of Jesus' teaching upon their lives. They have grappled with what it means concretely for them. They are ready to allow their understanding to bring about deep transformation. I believe this is the kind of understanding our Lord would be seeking from us. It is an understanding that begins as we listen and resolve to obey Jesus' teaching as best we are able. Listening leads to obedience and the practical outworking brings us back to him to seek further understanding. As we know, the disciples themselves had to grow in their understanding. There were times when they too faltered (Matt. 15: 16) and were as obtuse as the crowd. In our own lives there are times when Jesus' way challenges our expectations. When the road ahead seems unclear, or things do not turn out as I expect, that is when I must trust in the love of our Beloved Lord, who, if we ask, will surely grant us the spiritual understanding we desire.