Then his disciples said, “At last you are speaking plainly and not figuratively.
Now we understand that you know everything, and there’s no need to question you.
From this we believe that you came from God.”
Jesus asked, “Do you finally believe?” (John 16:29-31)
Read: Matthew 24:1-35, Mark 13:1-31, Luke 21:5-33
Relate: I was so stinking frustrated. I had an excellent activity planned but this group of kids just wasn’t getting it. I explained it to the class and was met with blank looks. Now, I know that I wasn’t working with the brightest stars in the galaxy. It was often a struggle to try and adapt what would normally work with other kids in the same age bracket. Some things just had to be simpler, but this project was a winner. I had used it multiple times with other groups, even younger groups and it was always a big hit. Always. These poor kids just weren’t getting it.
I tried again to explain it and still… nothing. Finally, I figured I would just pass it out to the teams I had created and explain it to each one individually. Chaos ensued. I could see the light go on in one of the boys. I figured, I would let him explain it to the rest. No joy. The poor kid received the same blank looks I was getting. About ten minutes had already been wasted at this point and I was right about to give it up and scrap the game altogether when one of the girls, who never pays attention, cries out. I’ve played this before! So I called her up and had her and the other boy demonstrate it for the class. All around the room the light bulbs could be seen popping on above their dim heads.
Finally.
React: I exaggerate for effect but if I were to write of that teaching experience as it was going down I am sure I would have been even more caustic. Few things are as frustrating as trying to explain something to someone who just doesn’t get it. They should get it. It is obvious. It is simple, but no matter how basic you break it down, no matter how many angles you approach it, they still just do not comprehend.
The disciples turned to Jesus and said, “We get it! Now we believe You are from God.” I can just picture Jesus’ response. “Seriously?!?! I have raised the dead, fed thousands, walked on water, healed lepers and blind and deaf and epileptics and more. I have cast out demons. I have preached countless sermons. For the past three years I have told you over and over again that I am the Bread of life, the Gate, the Good Shepherd, the Light of the World, that I AM… and you only now, finally, believe?!?!” Some people just…
How often am I included in that “some people”?
Respond:
Dear God,
Please forgive me for my hard headed ignorance. I cannot imagine how many times You have been trying to teach me the same lesson over and over again but my reason, or my skepticism, or my sin is getting in the way of my being able to learn it. Strip all that away. Help me to see You clearly. Help me to know You as You are. Help me to understand all that You would have me learn.
Amen
THE RIVER WALK 
What a great prayer to pray. It reminds me of 2 Kings 6:17, when Elisha prayed for God to open the eyes of his servant. I love praying to see things and people as He sees them, because the God-lens is the most clear and beautiful perspective to look from. God Bless. May you keep seeing as God sees, and learning what He has in store for you.
Peace and Joy,
Abigail Joy Wieser
Thanks, Beejai 😊 that’s the story of my life. You inspire me often and I just want to say that I really appreciate your blog.
YES!!! On so many levels. 1. I don’t need to start doubting my passion, fire and vision when others don’t get me (which happens often, apparently I’m still insecure in who I am in Christ) and 2. Who am I to judge when the don’t get me? Just as the Father loves and has patience for me in my stubborn, blind, knuckleheadedness so shall I for others.
Thanks for being transparent in your own journey, many blessings brother.
Oh, Beejai, I had to laugh out loud as I was reading this. As a former elementary school teacher, I was running decades of tapes over in my mind. More than once, I would explain a game or concept only to be met with blank stares. I did finally learn to break my classes into small groups (just as Jesus did to feed them) and assign other students to do the explaining. It worked every time. I think it’s called discipleship. 😉
Oh wow! Thank you for sharing this experience. I pray that enlightenment will come upon me!
This was perfect for me at this time, this moment! My husband said my behavior reminded him of the book, who moved my cheese! What I wanted to do was righteous, be able to attend church this Sunday with our former, now retired, pastor and his family. But we were dependent on having repairs completed TODAY. They weren’t and I was pouting….then I read this and watched that fabulous video! Oh yes, Lord, this knucklehead daughter of your know YOU are in charge! Yes, I believe You are ordaining something else special! Don’t let me be like these students with a blank stare….I believe….You’ve got my back!
Reblogged this on ChristianBlessings and commented:
Our spiritual light bulbs will not light up without the Holy Spirit’s prompting because ” The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned” (1 Corinthians 2:14). When He prompts we pray we will hear and respond, pleasing to the Lord.
When I walked away from God and faith in college, I didn’t get it. Thankfully, years later the kind and gentle invitations and prayers of a couple helped me take my first step in many years into a church. Thank you for sharing your walk of faith! Great post!
I think so often of the many times that the Lord has had His hand on me, protecting me while I am, at the same time, walking blissfully in the wrong direction. Praise His holy name that His patience is stronger than my wandering and that He keeps speaking to me until I really do “get it”. Great post and thought provoking question at the end!
its true! on more than one occasion Jesus called the disciples dull. they were not the smartest of the crop, He chooses the weak of this world and the foolish things too.
Excellent post!! I’m often in the same boat…if only we would just believe!!
I believe Lord Jesus, may thy Kingdom come and thy will be done.
Before I read your post I was thinking about what I wrote yesterday and how my non-Christian friends just don’t get it. Now I realise that on a different level I too struggle with ‘getting it’ in the same old battles with sin. I’d definitely like to see more of the transforming work of the Spirit in my heart, mind and life.