You Can't Handle the Truth
"Let these words sink into your ears; for the Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men." But they did not understand this statement, and it was concealed from them so that they would not perceive it; and they were afraid to ask Him about this statement. -Luke 9:44-45
One of the most memorable scenes in cinematic history is in the movie "A Few Good Men" where Jack Nicholson's character exclaims in the court room "You can't handle the truth!". While this was merely a movie, the statement still rings true in real life. A lot of times, we can't handle the truth.
Jesus knew this. In Luke 9:44-45, while the disciples were marvelling over all the miracles Jesus recently performed, Jesus told them in plain language He would be captured, yet they didn't understand what He meant. They didn't understand because God kept the truth from them. They couldn't handle the truth.
I find it interesting that even though they didn't understand, they were afraid to ask for clarification. Instead, they quickly changed the subject and started arguing among themselves about who was the best disciple!
Sometimes its just not our time to understand. Often we pray and pray, asking for wisdom in a certain situation but the solution eludes us. Other times, we really don't want to gain understanding because we change the subject and worry over more trivial matters, just as the disciples did.
To gain understanding, we must be able to handle the truth. Spiritual maturity is key and timing is everything. So the next time you are at a loss regarding the answers to all of your "Why, God?" questions, ask yourself (and God) what He wants you to learn about yourself through your current circumstance. God will tell you the truth when you've matured enough to do something meaningful with it.
Connect learning with living:
- What situation are you questioning in your life?
- How would knowing the "why" of the situation change your future?
- How diligently are you seeking the truth of the situation about you?