Do you Understand?

“Do you understand what you are reading?”  (Acts 8:30)

Thousands of years ago, when Jesus journeyed through Palestine, he had a small group of disciples that physically followed him everywhere. He was their instructor; they were his students. Daily, he taught them foundational truths that explained his spiritual kingdom. 

Just as the disciples were physically instructed and taught by Jesus, you and I can also become students of the word.  

Understanding the same truths is always the ultimate goal for the student.

Our ten-year-old recently approached me after some time in her devotions, "Mom, I do not understand a single thing this chapter says!" she exclaimed.

There are two things the disciples were frequently observed doing in order to better

understand the instructions of Jesus. 

These same apply to our devoted time spent in the word.

First, they payed careful attention. 

I noticed the bible frequently uses the word “pondered”.  Which means to meditate on or think on something quietly and deeply.

Second, they asked lots of questions. (Mark 7:17, 9:28, 10:10, 13:4)

The student that wants to understand, is the student that stays after class and asks many questions.  

When we do our family devotions, it’s obvious which child is on the way to understanding.  The one paying attention and asking many questions.

Our toddler recently interrupted with a question, “Mama, What is God??”, she asked.

Paying attention and asking questions eventually leads to understanding.  When we finally reach understanding, the truth becomes permanently  implanted into the mind. 

Notice Jesus tells his disciples...

Let these words sink down into your ears…(Lu. 9:44 NKJV)

In other words, let these words take root in your mind.  When we don’t understand the material read, it loses its intended effect, it cannot take root …

When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown

…But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. (Matt.13: 18-21)

This permanent planting of the word is what the Bible also refers to as inscribing his laws on the heart and mind. Only when we understand the word, does this phenomenon occur.

 I will put my teachings inside them, and I will write those teachings on their hearts. (Jer. 31:33 GWT)

 

Supporting Text

Give...thy servant an understanding heart...( 1 Ki. 3:7)

Give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments. (Ps 119:73)

 ..., their minds would understand, and they would turn to me, says God, and I would heal them. (Matt. 13:15)

After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. (Luke 2:46 )

“Do you still not understand?” Jesus asked.

…, listen to me, And pay attention to the words…(Pr. 7:24 Am)

Then Jesus went into a house to get away from the crowd, and his disciples asked him what he meant…. (Mark 7:17 NLT)

Afterward, when Jesus was alone in the house with his disciples, they asked him,…(Mark 9:28 )

My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words…  Let them penetrate deep into your heart, for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body. (Pr. 4:21-22)