Wisdom vs Ignorance
Spiritual wisdom doesn’t just happen, it is gained. Matthew 16:1-12 reveals three truths as we observe the Lord’s encounter with some religious leaders and His own disciples. First,
those who possess much physical wisdom can be spiritually ignorant—“You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times.” (v. 3) Those who are wise to this world and use its systems for personal gain can be so ignorant of spiritual truth. As primitive as their method of predicting the weather was, their ability to discern spiritual matters was worse. Jesus was in their midst and they refused to acknowledge Him. Second, those exposed to much spiritual wisdom can remain spiritually ignorant—“They began discussing it among themselves, saying, ‘We brought no bread.’” (v. 7) So much exposure to Jesus and yet still ignorant: either still an unbeliever or no application of the truth! There are those who have spent most or all of their life in church. They literally grew up in Sunday School. They have been exposed to all the teachings of the church, and yet remain ignorant of spiritual truth. Jesus warned them of the dangerous influence of the religious leaders; but the disciples thought He was talking about actual bread. Don’t just accept their words simply because of who they are—test their words! Third, those instructed by Jesus can gain spiritual wisdom—“How is it that you fail to understand that I did not speak about bread? Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” (v. 11) Religious people can become so legalistic that they can’t help but eventually become hypocrites. They develop a focus on external things rather than the internal matters of the heart. Jesus wants us to experience the spiritual reality that when we are certain of truth, we won’t be fooled, confused, or alarmed by counterfeit reproductions.
Sin cera, Erik
Erik O. Garthe is Associate Pastor at Canton Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland.