I’ll admit it. Sometimes I just don’t catch on. Call me thick-headed, but occasionally I fail to grasp the point of what is going on around me, of what I’m being told, etc. If my mind doesn’t go to strange tangents, then it goes completely blank.

Maybe you, too?

Thankfully, we’re not the only ones. Seems like Jesus’ disciples had a similar problem. Especially with Jesus’ parables.

In Mark 4:2-20, Jesus laid out a rural example (one to which his followers would likely relate) of a farmer sowing his seeds. He delved into specific examples of differing soil types and agricultural adversaries. But as much as Jesus taught about the kingdom of God, the disciples still didn’t make the connection.

They led with the clueless card time and again. Verses 33-34 show that they required regular explanations. “With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand. He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything.”

The patience the Lord must have had with those head-scratching students of His. To have to say everything twice and dumb it down to the lowest common denominator. (I always hated math.)

Yet Mark chapter 4 offers an opportunity to spiritual space cadets like me and the pre-Pentecost disciples.

“When He was alone, the Twelve and the others around Him asked Him about the parables.” (Mark 4:10)

The disciples asked. They didn’t comprehend what He was teaching them, so they hitched up their big-boy loincloths (that’s what passed for biblical underwear, right?) and swallowed their pride. They admitted their struggles and approached the Lord for clarity.

 If I don’t understand, I should ask. God says and does a lot of things I frankly just don’t get. But He gives me the opportunity to inquire. To take advantage of His wisdom. He may not always respond with an easy explanation, but then again, sometimes He does. If I don’t ask for understanding, I’m guaranteed to receive nothing.

To quote former hockey player Wayne Gretzky, “Not doing it is certainly the best way to not getting it.”

And that is a point even the most thick-headed can grasp.

What do you need to ask God? In what areas do you need clarity?

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