The Truth Hurts

GETTING STARTED

One of the things that most frustrates me as a parent is when my kids do the wrong thing even after they have both seen the right way AND been instructed in the right way. (Of course I can’t get too disappointed, knowing how I was at their ages!) There are differences between ignorance and willful disregard for the truth, and found in those differences is usually a broken humility which changes not only our attitude, but also our behavior. In our passage today, truth is presented to the Jewish leadership. One thing is clear: they are no longer ignorant of the truth about Jesus.

  • When have you been indifferent or hard-hearted toward the truth?

READ THE WORD: ACTS 28:24-28 (ESV)

24 And some were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved. 25 And disagreeing among themselves, they departed after Paul had made one statement: “The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet:

26  “‘Go to this people, and say,
“You will indeed hear but never understand,
and you will indeed see but never perceive.”
27  For this people’s heart has grown dull,
and with their ears they can barely hear,
and their eyes they have closed;
lest they should see with their eyes
and hear with their ears
and understand with their heart
and turn, and I would heal them.’

28 Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.”

English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

DIGGING DEEPER

  1. Is it surprising that some disbelieved what Paul said?
  2. The agreeing and disagreeing leaders all stuck around until one decisive moment. What was that moment? What is the importance of that moment?
  3. What was so significant about Paul quoting the prophet Isaiah?
  4. Verse 28 could appear to be Paul’s emotional response to being rejected (“I’ll take my ball and go home!”), but how does this verse connect to the greater mission of Jesus found at the beginning of the book—that the gospel will spread to the end of the earth (1:8)?
  5. Where is your heart today? Is it dull or tender? Are your ears and eyes open to receive his truth?

RESPOND TO GOD

The hearts of those apart from Christ today are not so different from the Jews that missed Jesus long ago. Neither is the inclination of our hearts any different—we will live life in a way that seems satisfactory to us, regardless of the truth that has been shown to us. Perhaps you are reading this and you are still not sure who Christ is. Know that the time to “listen” (vs. 28) is an open invitation to all, but that there is a time when that invitation will not be available. Respond now while you still can.

  • Pray for an open heart and eyes and ears that truly see and hear his truth.
  • Thank the Lord for the revelation of his grace and mercy to you through Jesus Christ.