Understanding

Mark chapter 8 verse 17 and 18.
Jesus realized what they were discussing and said, "No, that isn't it at all! Can't you understand? Are your hearts too hard to take it in? Your eyes are to see with---why don't you look? Why don't you open your ears and listen? Don't you remember anything at all?"

It is kinda funny to hear Jesus speaking so firmly to the disciples but He had to, for they did not get what He was about. Like you and I, we hear and see only what we want to take in. Most of the time we block out what is going on around us for it does not pertain to our lives. We keep our noses out of others affairs so that way we do not get involved in more than we want to. We say, "we are already to busy enough with our own stuff or how sad, the things that happened to them." It is the simple things that we do that people notice. Like a phone call or sending a card or even praying for others. We like it when others call and ask how we are, so why not extend the courtesy. The scripture above came about as a result of the disciples not realizing what Jesus was talking about. Always the teacher, Jesus was frustrated that they were not understanding what He was trying to tell them. The disciples were thinking of food when Jesus was trying to warn them against people who will attack their beliefs. It does happen. We only take in what we want to hear and sometimes miss the point of the conversation all together. My wife accuses me of not listening all the time. It is important to pay attention when others are speaking and it is ok, to stop what you are doing and show interest. We will fail and we will keep on missing the point but we can keep our focus on Jesus and what He teaches. The disciples did not have the insight that we do today. The bible is available to guide us and we are aware of what Jesus did for us. So like the past and for generations to come, the conversation of the moment will only be absorbed into us if it has meaning for us. Jesus gave us the purpose to have focus on God and a life of peace. There is nothing new about Jesus and God's gift but He may be new to you. The disciples may have missed the meaning of His teachings, at least until they realized that what He was saying came true. We know the story and do not have to miss out on God's promises. I am so happy that my life led me to reaching out to God. Jesus has changed my life and now I listen a little more and pay attention a little more so that I do not miss an opportunity to share God. The disciples did eventually realize the amazing gift of Jesus and were filled with excitement and the joy of telling everyone what they had experienced.

Thank-you Father for your Son and opening our eyes to see and ears to hear. 😊

Luke chapter 7 verse 7 and 9
"That is why I did not come to you myself. But you only need to command it and my servant will be healed."
Jesus was amazed. Turning to the crowd He said, "I tell you, this is the greatest faith I have ever found anywhere, even in Israel."

Acts chapter 1 verse 9-11.
It was not long afterwards that He rose into the sky and disappeared into a cloud, leaving them staring after him. As they were straining their eyes for another glimpse, suddenly two white-robed men were standing there among them, and said "Men of Galilee, why are you standing here staring at the sky? Jesus has gone away to heaven and someday, just as He went, He will return!"