“I Have More to Say”
Jesus was speaking to His disciples, “I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear.” (John 16:12) The disciples’ understanding of Jesus’ ministry was severely limited. Apparently, they assumed Jesus’ Kingdom would be here on earth. Previously, two of His disciples had asked to sit on His right and left in the kingdom.
Even if the disciples’ expectations had been true, a kingdom over their known world would have been enormously inadequate. Jesus instructed the disciples for years; yet, they had not “gotten it.” Even worse, the disciples assumed they knew the plan of God but did not.
Recognizing the disciples’ lack of understanding, Jesus said, “There is more than you can understand now.” It often takes us some time to ascertain and accept truth. For example, you probably did not accept Jesus the first time you heard the gospel. Then, as time passed, the truth sank in. For most of us, that pattern continues through all our lives. Truth, especially painful new truth, is hard to embrace.
This morning, as I read these words of Jesus for the umpteenth time, I heard them personally. “I have more to say to you.” I have been a Christian for many years. Often, I think I know God’s will only to later learn my understanding is inadequate and sometimes completely wrong.
A mother was scolding her unruly child. The child obviously thought he had heard enough. But the wise mother continued, “Don’t run off; I am not through.” If you have been a child of God for a long time, it will be easy to assume you “know enough.” To you God is saying, “Don’t run off; I’m not through with you.”
