Supernatural Understanding

Like me, you’ve probably experienced those “Aha” moments, when something that was confusing instantly became clear.

Before Jesus ascended to heaven after his resurrection, he appeared to his disciples. He pointed out and explained passages from the Torah (our first five books of the Old Testament) and the writings of the prophets that talked about him. Jesus gave them the supernatural power to grasp the true meaning of Scriptures that they had read their whole lives.

Jesus told his followers, “Thus it is written that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem” (Luke 24:46-47).

Now they understood. The arrest and crucifixion of Jesus didn’t leave God scrambling to fix an unforeseen predicament. God had planned it. Before time began, God knew humans would rebel and had prepared a way to redeem his creation.

Jesus had to suffer. To pay the penalty for sin, Jesus had to die.

After they understood God's eternal plan, Jesus commissioned his disciples. He commissions us too. The Holy Spirit now opens our minds the way Jesus opened his disciples’ minds. Whenever we read the Bible with a humble heart and a mind that seeks truth, God reveals himself. The truth becomes clear.

May your understanding of the Gospel lead you to share it. Go explain to people why the Messiah suffered and died. Tell them that Jesus rose from the dead. Proclaim the need for repentance and the good news of forgiveness and eternal life.

Heavenly Father, thank you for opening my mind so that I can know what you’ve done for me. Help me to boldly proclaim the truth about you. Open the minds of my family and friends, so that they too can understand and believe. Amen.

Go Deeper — Read the passages from Luke 24:46-47 listed in the devotional. Now ask the Holy Spirit to help you write what those verses mean in your own words.

Read Further — Around this time of year many people are curious about Jesus. If the thought of telling others about him makes your throat close, this short article may help.