PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 15:12-20
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Leave them; they are blind guides.” (Matthew 15:14)
“Are you still so dull?” (Matthew 15:16)
These words of Jesus seem harsh, but he is saying something about their hearts.
The ‘blind guides’ is what the words say, but ‘so dull’ is a loose reading.
The actual word means to ‘not be able to figure it out’ – that is different.
Jesus is training the disciples to interpret his parables from the inside out.
To read through the details for the deeper lessons or truths, to apply them spiritually.
They are not getting it yet, but Jesus is not questioning their ability.
The same with the leaders, it is not that they are dull or unable to see.
The difference is in their own heart; the disciples want to see, the pharisees did not.
It is from the heart (including mind, will, emotions) that understanding comes.
The pharisees were offended because they did not want to listen and learn.
The disciples were asking because they did want to listen and learn.
There may be much I still can’t figure out, but am I open or closed to learning?
Jesus will help me learn, if I am willing, if I have eyes that want to see!
PRAYER
Lord, thank you that through the years things have been becoming clearer to me. I am still not able to figure out, so I will keep on asking you to explain!
It all comes out sometime – the truth – what’s really in the heart. Jesus saw through all the acts of piety – all the rituals and all the keeping of them – but most of all he saw the selfishness and the lack of love – a focus on status and self-righteousness at the cost of others who were neglected. Lord help me to see through my own hypocrisy and arrogance – I’m no better than anyone else – help me to love and serve all, humbly and sincerely – without pretense or expectation of any kind of recognition. Shape me and help me see, make my heart pure and faithful to you through the working of your Holy Spirit!
Words put into action/deeds will show where we/I am at. Our hearts comes to expression by our words and deeds. They will know we/I am Christian by our love – loving God and loving man. That is the main command. That is where I need to grow. Open ears, open eyes to hear and see how the Lord continues to speak so I may continue to grow in His Way.
1 Have thine own way, Lord!
Have thine own way!
Thou art the potter,
I am the clay.
Mold me and make me
after thy will,
while I am waiting,
yielded and still.
2 Have thine own way, Lord!
Have thine own way!
Search me and try me,
Savior today!
Wash me just now, Lord,
wash me just now,
as in thy presence
humbly I bow.
3 Have thine own way, Lord!
Have thine own way!
Wounded and weary,
help me I pray!
Power, all power,
surely is thine!
Touch me and heal me,
Savior divine!
4 Have thine own way, Lord!
Have thine own way!
Hold o’er my being
absolute sway.
Fill with thy Spirit
till all shall see
Christ only, always,
living in me!