Before Understanding

Read: John 20:3-10

The disciple who had reached the tomb first also went in, and he saw and believed—for until then they still hadn’t understood the Scriptures that said Jesus must rise from the dead. John 20:8-9

IN WORD

Like many approaches to knowledge throughout history, the modern mind-set is rooted in empirical observation. We look at the evidence, and then we draw conclusions. There’s nothing wrong with that; it’s how great scientific advances have occurred, and Paul even applies it in Romans 1:20 to the knowledge of God. We know truth from what we see and experience.

That’s also how it was when John entered the tomb. Jesus wasn’t there, so John believed in the Resurrection. But he nevertheless had to embrace a Kingdom principle that most of us have difficulty grasping. Acceptance of divine truth usually comes before we fully understand it. John didn’t see, wait for a thorough explanation, agree with the coherence of the explanation, and then decide to believe. He saw and believed, even though he did not yet understand how it could be possible. Like many in Scripture—Joshua at Jericho, Mary at the Annunciation, Peter on the waves—he had to accept before he could fully comprehend. He had to get the order right.

We do too. Infinite truth isn’t irrational, but it’s far greater than finite minds can grasp. Those who will not accept any evidence of the divine until they can understand it—even if they have already seen it—will miss out on quite a few Kingdom blessings. In the Kingdom life, we have to be able to embrace things that are greater than our ability to comprehend. Why? Because the Kingdom is bigger than we are.

IN DEED

That doesn’t mean understanding never comes. Remarkably, when we believe truths that are greater than our minds can grasp, we begin to grow in our understanding of them. That’s because the Spirit enlightens believing minds. Wisdom comes to those who accept it up front. Those who accept God’s ways are those who will eventually understand them best.

ADDITIONAL READING: Hebrews 11:3

Understanding is the reward of faith. Seek not to understand that you may believe, but to believe that you may understand.

AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO