Clueless

Okay, so that’s not a word that Jesus actually used.  But don’t you get the sense that sometimes he just felt his disciples were clueless about the kingdom of heaven?  The Bible says he called them “faithless generation” and “fools.”  (see Mark 9:19 or Luke 24:25 for example)

These twelve hand-picked “fishers of men” struggled to understand the revolutionary viewpoint of creation that Jesus was teaching them.  They constantly questioned him, contradicted him, doubted him.  They just didn’t seem to get it.

Take the story of Jesus and the woman with the hemorrhage: she hoped to touch the Master’s garment without being noticed.  But he recognized the mental call-for-help and asked “who touched me?”  The disciples – more like handlers than students – said, “Uh Jesus.  You’re surrounded by dozens upon dozens of jostling followers, and you want to know which one touched you?  Really?”  Maybe they thought he was clueless!

They were more concerned about getting Jesus to the bedside of a dying little girl than stopping to pinpoint one errant touch.  But Jesus, ignoring their ignorance, sought out the woman, acknowledged her healing, and blessed her.  And still went on to save the little girl.  (see Mark 5:24-34)

The disciples imagined there was only a limited amount of good and a limited amount of time in which to take advantage of it.  And that it was quickly becoming too late.  Jesus, on the other hand, knew that good was unlimited – just like his heavenly Father who is the infinite bestower of all good.

Then there’s the story of Jesus’ conversation with the two disciples on their way to Emmaus.  They were so convinced Jesus had died on the cross that they couldn’t even recognize him as he walked along with them.  They recounted the horrific story, and even told the part about the empty tomb.  Jesus set them straight, opened their eyes, and continued on his way.  (see Luke 24:13-31)  As always, he never abandoned his followers to their own cluelessness.  Instead, he persisted in making plain the presence and power of God, the source of the Christ – the Truth – he manifested.  He even promised that they would never be comfortless!  (see John 14:18)

The disciples finally did get his message; they finally understood what he had taught them and shown them so clearly that, as he had predicted, they went on to do the works that he had done.

Isn’t that a marvelous example for you and me?  When we’re feeling clueless about any aspect of our lives, when we’re convinced that good is dead and gone, we can know instead, that the same comforting presence and power is still available, here and now.

Jesus never broke his promises to the disciples and they still stand today.  Let’s not be clueless about that.

Melissa Hayden is a Christian Science practitioner in Salem, OR. You can find more information and additional articles at this link.  If you like what you’re reading, click the “add me” button.