Mark 8:1-21

“So He said to them, ‘How is it you do not understand?’” (Mark 8:21, NKJV)

I don’t think there is anything more frustrating than trying to explain something to someone who does not understand. It doesn't matter how many ways you say it; you can see it in their eyes. The porchlight is flickering, but nobody’s home.

There must have been moments when Jesus was exasperated with His disciples. He spoke to them of spiritual things, but they didn’t understand. Soon He would leave them, but how could they continue the work of the kingdom when they were so dull?

The Pharisees had been disputing with Jesus, demanding a sign from heaven. Jesus sighed deeply in His spirit and said:

“Why does this generation seek a sign? Truly, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.” (Mark 8:12, ESV)

Then He said to His disciples, “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.” They had forgotten to bring bread with them on the boat, so they thought Jesus was talking about that. Jesus said, “Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand?” Then they realized that Jesus was talking about the teaching of the Pharisees and the Herodians.

I wonder how many times the Lord has spoken to us, but our hearts are hard, and we do not understand. He keeps teaching us the same lesson, but we’re not getting it. Thankfully, He is patient with us. But wouldn’t it be better to pray for understanding?

“Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” (Jeremiah 33:3, NKJV)

The Hebrew word that is translated “mighty” means inaccessible or unsearchable—that is things we cannot understand apart from divine revelation.

Are there things you do not understand? Bring them to Jesus and ask Him to open the eyes of your understanding to see what He wants you to see and to hear what He wants you to hear.