Mark Tabata’s Weekday Devotionals:
Friday June 27 2025
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Mark 9:30-31-For He taught His disciples and said to them, “The Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of men, and they will kill Him. And after He is killed, He will rise the third day.” 32 But they did not understand this saying, and were afraid to ask Him.
When I watch the gameshow Jeopardy, I usually feel pretty dumb.
Before we moved to Corbin, I had never really spent much time on this (or any) game. I was usually not home in time for dinner most nights, being out at Bible studies or other ministry engagements. One of the blessings of living in this area has been regular dinner with family, and usually those involve Jeopardy with Ken Jennings. There are many words I am sure that people would use to describe this game.
Captivating.
Educational.
Competitive.
The word I would likely use to describe it?
Humbling.
Interestingly, the Bible teaches us a lot of lessons along that line, doesn’t it? For example, I read here in Mark’s Gospel of how Jesus told His Apostles that He would be betrayed, killed, and resurrected on the third day. That seems pretty straightforward, doesn’t it? But then the text goes on to say that they did not understand Him! We learn later that one reason they did not understand Jesus is because they had the misguided notion that was prevalent in that day and age that the Messiah would establish a political militarized kingdom (cf. Acts 1:4-5). They didn’t realize that the kingdom was primarily spiritual in nature (Luke 17:20-21; John 18:36), and this led them to misunderstand what Jesus taught. Things that are so easy for us to comprehend, were very difficult for them.
Think about some things with me.
First, there may be many reasons as to why a person does not understand God’s Word. Sometimes people may misunderstand because they haven’t studied enough about a subject (Matthew 22:29; 2 Peter 3:18). Maybe they have been taught incorrectly about something (2 Timothy 2:15). Sometimes people may be hardheaded and may not want to accept the truth, choosing rather to hold to tradition and preexisting religion or prideful performance (Romans 10:1-4). Misunderstanding does not necessarily bring condemnation.
Second, God does not reject these disciples because they did not have a perfect understanding. Instead, He continues to affirm them as His disciples. He showed them grace. Now, His grace came with admonition for then to keep learning, just as it does us.
John 8:31-32-Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
Titus 2:11-14-For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.
God is not going to give us an IQ test before He accepts us. Knowledge of the Son of God’s atoning death, burial, and resurrection on the third day is the minimum knowledge requirements for acceptable baptism to make one a child of God (Acts 8:37), and from that point we need to continue growing in our understanding of God’s Word. That will mean sometimes challenging misunderstandings we have had, and/or preexisting beliefs or practices. That is all part of Christian growth, and Jesus still sees us as His disciples even when our understanding isn’t perfect. Faith isn’t about perfect understanding. After all, Abraham went out by faith, not knowing where he was going, and he is one of the great examples of faith for us in God’s Word (Hebrews 11:8). Saving faith isn’t about waiting till you have perfect knowledge before you follow God: it is about trusting God and obeying Him each step of the way as you are going (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Finally, if Jesus shows us such grace in our misunderstandings, we need to try and show that grace to others as well. We are all at different points of understanding in our spiritual journey, and we need to encourage each other along the way.
Acts 18:24-26-Now a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man and mighty in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus. 25 This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things of the Lord, though he knew only the baptism of John. 26 So he began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.
Romans 15:14 (ERV)-My brothers and sisters, I know without a doubt that you are full of goodness and have all the knowledge you need. So you are certainly able to counsel each other.
If you start to feel dumb as you are growing as a Christian (or when you are watching Jeopardy), remember the message of Psalm 131.
Psalm 131:1-3-A Song of Ascents. Of David. LORD, my heart is not haughty, Nor my eyes lofty. Neither do I concern myself with great matters, Nor with things too profound for me. 2 Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul, Like a weaned child with his mother; Like a weaned child is my soul within me. 3 O Israel, hope in the LORD From this time forth and forever.
Lord Jesus, thank You for being patient with us in our misunderstandings. Help us to better learn Your Word so that we can be better disciples. Teach us to be kind towards others like You have been towards us. Please guide us in all things. Amen.
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