Understanding Opened

Luke 24:45
⁴⁵ Then He opened their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures.

Did you realize there is a difference in understanding God’s Word and your understanding of the scriptures? These two words are used in one sentence in this scripture. There is more to our understanding of this scripture than meets our eyes. I believe a powerful truth is here so let’s dig in. In fact, it may take us a couple of days to truly receive His understanding so that it becomes our understanding.

Let’s first get a picture of what was transpiring in this chapter, the context of Luke 24. The chapter begins by focusing on the empty tomb and the resurrection of Jesus. When the women came to the tomb they did not find His body. With an angels’ declaration that He is not here, but is risen, the women went to tell the disciples and word spread. While the disciples walked along the way Jesus meets them, but they didn’t recognize Him at that point. In fact, it wasn’t until He shared the bread with them (verse 31) that they knew Him—recognizing that Jesus was in their midst.

At the beginning they were just enjoying a meal with a fellow countryman until they took what He blessed and gave them. It wasn’t until the Lord opened their understanding that they truly put 2 + 2 together and understood. Jesus was alive!

The first Greek word for understanding is from the base word ginōskō which means to know, perceive, to understand. It deals with the intellect—the mind—and references perception, understanding, judging, and determining. Jesus opened their minds to perceive, to know the truth He shared. Before the Word is planted in your heart, it must be received through understanding, in your mind. That means understanding with your mind what Jesus has done for you. Then, the more you meditate and think on that truth, the deeper the Word goes into your heart. When truth is planted in your heart, it will persuade your mind even more. You will know that you know that you KNOW. There is no more room for doubt.

We’ll delve further into the second part of the verse next time. In the meantime, keep your mind and heart open to know and understand His Word.