iCrucified

You Can’t Handle the Truth!

Some of you may have seen the movie A Few Good Men starring Jack Nicholson and Tom Cruise. One of the famous scenes had Jack’s character passionately responding to Tom’s demands for truth; “You can’t handle the truth!”

This has been echoing in my head as I have considered a passage from the Gospel of John I read through almost two weeks ago (John 16:12-15).

“I have much more to say to you, but you can’t handle it now. However, when the Spirit of Truth comes, he will guide you in all truth” (John 16:12-13 CEB).

I realize Jesus might not be responding in the same spirit as Jack’s character, but I can’t help but think and believe that there might be some similarity behind the intent and reasoning. So, what might Jesus mean by this statement and what have my thoughts been?

First, I think there is a timing issue. The disciples were not ready to receive, understand, or act upon additional revelation from God at this juncture. Not only is this clearly evident in the words of Jesus in this passage, but later, post crucifixion and resurrection just before Jesus’ ascension, the disciples ask Jesus about the fulfillment-completion of his mission (Acts 1:6-8). It is obvious in the disciples’ question and Jesus’ answer they were still struggling to understand; “they were unable to handle the truth now.” Jesus advised them it would be better for them after they received power from the Holy Spirit who would guide them and enable them to become witnesses for the Kingdom of God. This helps me to understand that just because I want something… whether it is knowledge, understanding, or a task of responsibility that is God honoring doesn’t mean I am ready for it. There may be a timing issue at hand; perhaps I need to wait upon the Lord for the perfecting of that time as in this particular case.

Second, maybe there is a maturity issue that needs attention. This detail might be related to the point of timing I just mentioned. Timing can often include logistical details that involve a number of people and circumstantial factors, but timing can also involve personal maturity specifics which might range the emotional, intellectual, and/or spiritual growth gamut. In the case of the disciples from our Scripture examples, one of the issues of timing was certain spiritual immaturity. Jesus specifically advised them they would not be ready to take up his mantle and mission until they were imbued with the same Holy Spirit power he had been empowered with. We see another example of this thinking from the writer of the Letter to the Hebrews (Hebrews 5:11-12) “There is much more we would like to say about this, but it is difficult to explain, especially since you are spiritually dull and don’t seem to listen. You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food.” Maturity helps us to process truth and bear the things that God would say to us.

Third, I think our willingness to be led by and obedient to God’s Holy Spirit is proportionate to the truth Jesus is willing to reveal to us. If we are unwilling or reluctant to receive from and obey God, there is a good chance we might not hear from him at all…or worse. Jesus told his disciples when they went from town to town sharing the Gospel message of God’s Kingdom if the message was not received with gladness, they were to take back any blessing and leave a curse upon the town and leave as they “shook the dust from their sandals” (Luke 10:8-12). I can’t help but also remember the ominous words of Jesus when he spoke to his disciples about paying attention to how they listen to him (Luke 8:10, 18).

Fourth, and this is probably the thing that has had me chewing on this text for the past couple weeks, I don’t want to miss what Jesus wants to tell me. “I have much more to say…” I can only imagine how much I have missed “hearing” from Jesus because of my immaturity, stubbornness, weakness, disobedience and self absorption. I know I’ve gone around waving my hands up in the air wanting (and begging) God to speak to me… tell me truth. But, I haven’t been paying attention. I haven’t been obedient to the things I’ve already been told. I’ve grieved the Holy Spirit, who is my Guide in the first place. I want knowledge, I want direction, I want the Truth… but “I haven’t been able to handle the Truth!” It doesn’t have to be this way.

Jesus made a way for us to handle the Truth. We don’t have to be spiritually immature. We have to be willing to obey. We have to be willing to listen. We have to be willing to wait. And, we have to be constantly seeking with the attitude of all the aforementioned; patient, listening, and obedient heart. The Holy Spirit being our Guide, may we always be walking in humble submission to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.