Nougat 24

Have you ever been well and truly misunderstood by friends or family? Not a funny feeling is it? Consider today’s Holy Nougat.

“The disciples said, “Lord, if he is sleeping, he will soon get better!” They thought Jesus meant Lazarus was simply sleeping, but Jesus meant Lazarus had died. So he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead.” ‭‭John‬ ‭11:12-14‬ ‭NLT‬‬

What an answer!

It sounds like a good idea, but when we really think it through we might have a question. If Lazarus sleeps, why would it require Jesus in particular to awaken him? For me, I’d probably have yielded to temptation and quickly read to the end of the narrative. But we are reading as though for the first time and perhaps we also would have been confused by Jesus’ expression.

We might assume that this was a fairly new expression for the disciples. And if we truly think about it, Jesus often spoke cryptically, especially when teaching. This was no exception. And if that’s the case, then there’s cause to pause and reflect on the following:1) How does it feel to be constantly misunderstood? 2) Have we ever misunderstood Jesus? 3) How do we respond when we realize that Jesus is being cryptic to us?

1) I can’t speak for all of us, but there are some of us who are more often than not misunderstood by others. It is not a fun feeling. And in some cases, being misunderstood can have uncomfortable outcomes. It may even have implications for one’s self esteem.

When we find that we’ve been misunderstood, how do we respond? And if it’s a frequent occurrence, what do we do to ensure we are communicating clearly enough? I pray us clarity in all our relationships and communication.

2) Just as disconcerting is discovering that we have misunderstood something someone said. This has resulted in some persons being labeled professionally and/or socially on account of the inability to grasp what is happening. Of course, it is also possible for us to misunderstand Jesus. This may have resulted in the falling away of many from one church or denomination.

When we discover that we misunderstood Jesus, how do/did we respond? With pride – refusing to accept our mistake? With a bit of guilt – hoping no one will notice? Or probably with repentant humility – that is, acknowledging our mistake and seeking forgiveness? (Hmmm chew slowly right here) I hasten to remind us that if Jesus found patience for the disciples; there’s patience abounding for us also. We can ask for clarification and not worry about being labeled by Jesus.

3) There are instances however, when we seek God’s face on a specific situation and the response feels cryptic. We might even seek a second or third opinion, yet it’s as though we have a mental block. Not to worry (well, not too much as yet) – for it doesn’t seem like the disciples fared much better. And, if we were to learn from their experiences, I’d say when we know that we truly aren’t understanding Jesus; it’s time to pray and pay attention. It may be that there is an important lesson being taught.

It’s not the time to yield to the temptation to quit – no, not so easily. Remember Jesus encouragement to the disciples in Matthew 13? – “[Jesus] replied, “You are permitted to understand the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven, but others are not. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them.” ‭‭(Matthew‬ ‭13:11-12‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

This is our assurance that clarity will come, we just need to wait. For inasmuch as He gave clarity to the disciples, Jesus will speak to us. That’s why James urges us to pray for wisdom from our God Who generously offers it. Please let’s not allow our pride or feelings of insecurity get in our way; rather let’s talk with Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith.

O Jesus please grant us wisdom and clarity to understand when You speak with us. Hear our hearts’ cry we pray amen.

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May all we seek be found in Christ