Do you like to be “in the know” about things? Don’t you just hate it when someone is teaching you something and you feel like you don’t have enough understanding to follow what they’re teaching?
Some of the people who sat at the feet of Jesus as He taught felt that way. They would hear Him teach and know in their hearts He was full of wisdom, yet they couldn’t grasp what He was saying. Jesus was well aware of the fact many did not understand Him. He often taught in parables when He spoke to groups of people. In Matthew 13:1-23 we find Jesus teaching the parable of the sower and the seed. His teaching style perplexed the disciples. They asked Him in verse 10 “Why do you use stories as illustrations when you speak to people?”
Jesus clearly indicated not everyone was given the knowledge of the mysteries of the Kingdom. So, who gains that knowledge? Who gains that understanding? The answer is rather simple, those who seek it out.
Proverbs 8:17 says, “I love those who love Me; And those who diligently seek Me will find Me.” Proverbs 28:5 says, “Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD understand it fully.” The Lord is more than willing to provide wisdom and understanding, but He will only provide it to those who seek it through seeking Him [Jeremiah 33:3].
When the disciples didn’t understand the full meaning of the parable of the sower and the seeds, they came to Jesus for understanding. We can do the same. How many times have you read something in the Word and found yourself scratching your head thinking, “What on earth does this mean?” God isn’t surface level. He’s depth. He wants to provide wisdom and understand to those willing seek it out. When confusion arises, do what the disciples did. Seek Jesus out and ask Him to explain it to you. He will. He is faithful and just [1 John 1:9]. James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” If you want to go deeper with God, you can rest easy. You want the same thing for yourself God wants for you and He will do His part. He’s simply waiting for you to do yours.
Matthew 6:33 remind us to seek the King, His Kingdom and righteousness and He will take care of the rest. How will you find out the answers to your question? How will you gain understanding today?