ignorance is not bliss
"We do not know." —Mark 11:33
Jesus put the Pharisees on the spot. He asked them a question that exposed their hearts. They responded: "We do not know" (Mt 11:33). What they really meant was: "We will not know." They didn't want to know the truth if it was contrary to what they wanted. Instead of seeking knowledge, they were only interested in knowing how to play the situation to their advantage. Instead of learning more from Jesus, their refusal to learn prompted Jesus to withhold a crucial revelation from them (Mk 11:33).
St. Paul asked twelve Ephesian men a question that also exposed their hearts. They also responded that they did not know (see Acts 19:2). What they really meant was: "We do not know, but we want to know." Their honest admission of ignorance was accompanied by an honest desire to learn and grow closer to God. These men received the Spirit in power (Acts 19:6) and probably formed the backbone of the new church in Ephesus.
The next time the Lord God presents to you a question which exposes your ignorance, which "I don't know" will you say?
Prayer: Father, help me to "not continue in ignorance, but [to] try to discern" Your will (Eph 5:17).
Promise: "There is One Who can protect you from a fall and make you stand unblemished and exultant in the presence of His glory." —Jude 24
Praise: St. Marcellinus, a priest, and St. Peter, an exorcist, converted their jailer and his family. They were both beheaded and martyred for love of Jesus.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(To learn the Bible, order any or all of these audio or video tapes: Ignorance of Scriptures is Ignorance of Christ, AV 82-1, V-82, How to Pray the Bible on audio AV 82-3 or on video V-82, How to Read the Bible on audio AV 46-3 or on video V-46, Principles of Bible Interpretation, audio AV 79-1, video V-79, Biblical Counseling, audio AV 13A-1, AV 13A-3, AV 13B-3 or on video starting with V-13A.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 29, 2012
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