Photo by Sebastian Bill on Unsplash
By Mike Chaffin
Jesus said to them, “Have you understood all these things?” Matthew 13:51
Who said there are no stupid questions? Jesus never did. However, it didn’t bother him that those who wouldn’t believe, didn’t understand. But He is genuinely concerned his followers do.
This saying is often linked to mathematician and electric engineer Charles Proteus Steinmetz, who said, “There are no foolish questions, and no man becomes a fool until he has stopped asking questions.” Scripture says much the same.
The Pharisees asked questions trying to trap Jesus. However, He saw through their questioning and answered in a way they could find no fault in him.
39 Then some of the scribes answered and said, “Teacher, You have spoken well.” 40 But after that they dared not question Him anymore. Luke 20:39-40
However, if you are a follower of Christ keep asking questions until you understand. God gives out wisdom freely to those who ask.
Jesus asked this question because He had just finished teaching in parables to a large crowd about what the Kingdom of Heaven is like. In Chapter 13 He teaches the multitude with four parables. The people don’t understand, but Jesus doesn’t explain anything to them. The disciples ask what a couple of them mean and Jesus tells them the meaning. Then He tells the disciples three more parables to see if they now understand. They said they did.
Then He said to them, “Therefore every scribe instructed concerning the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out of his treasure things new and old.” Matthew 13:52
As disciples of Christ, we seek wisdom and understanding. When we gain understanding we are told to go out and make disciples. Through preaching, teaching, mentoring, or raising your children we pass on our knowledge of Christ to others.
Christ came for all. But those who don’t know Him must hear about Christ and believe. We are His hands and feet. As part of the sanctification process, (growing in Christlikeness), we are to gain knowledge and then lovingly share it with those who don’t know Christ, or don’t understand His teaching.
Contemplation: Is there something about the Bible, doctrine, or salvation I don’t understand? Besides praying for wisdom, who should I ask for help?
