Mark 7:18 NIV
[18] “Are you so dull?” he asked. “Don’t you see that nothing that enters a person from the outside can defile them?

I was reading the book of Mark today and came across this statement that Jesus told his disciples that caught my attention.

We are so used to picturing Jesus as loving that we forget that he also was stern in what he said.

The background of the story is. That the pharasies are questioning Jesus on why his disciples were eating their food without doing the ceremonial washing of hands that Jews usually follow as a tradition.

And Jesus answered the pharasies that what comes out of a man is what defiles him. Not what that goes inside him.

Given the context, the statement that Jesus told the pharasies was a no brainer. There are a lot of parables that Jesus said that definitely needed explanations. But not this one. But the disciples didn’t get it. As soon as Jesus reached home we see the disciples asking him about the parable.

To which he answered are you so dull?

They didn’t get it !!!

1. Even miracle workers don’t get it sometimes

In the previous chapter in the book of mark , we see the disciples being sent out in two and the disciples casting out demons and healing the sick and in the next chapter we see them not understanding a no brainer. So maybe as christians we should factor in that a person working miracles by healing the sick and casting out demons can also be blind to spiritual truth.

2.Spiritual Blindness is real

In my short stint in ministry and leading me. I see many decades long Christians being oblivious to the simple truth. What I do is usually patting them on the head and leading them to a place where they can hopefully understand. I think Jesus would disagree a bit on this approach. Sometimes. And i emphasize it again, Sometimes. A stern rebuke and an explanation shortly after might be all they require.

3. Dumb people can be used

I’m no genius, I have a long way to go. And God knows how many times I’ve questioned myself and felt insecure about my capability to lead anyone in their spiritual life. But this statement gives me hope. I don’t have to be a genius !! Jesus used dumb disciples to change the world. And it’s okay to be dumb as long as you ask Jesus what you don’t understand. He was stern, so what? At the end the disciples got to learn what they didn’t understand. How many of us sit in God’s presence asking him to teach us things we don’t understand?

This verse teaches us to be cautious. If you’re working wonders and miraclesz hold your horses, there might be things that you’re still blind to. Feeling insecure and not capable to do God’s work , be encouraged that he can use people like you. Long time church goers when you don’t get it, Ask God to help you see the spiritual truths. And members of the church don’t be offended over a rebuke by your leader 😉