Many people are born near-sighted. Near-sightedness is defined as “unable to see distant objects clearly”. However, a near-sighted person can see close objects much better than someone with 20/20 vision. I know, because I was born very near-sighted. Something no one knew till I was eight years old.
I vividly remember the day I first wore corrective glasses. I was amazed. The world was a new place for me. I could see and understand objects that were always there, but too blurred to understand fully. My perception of reality had changed. Years later, when I gazed upon the Grand Canyon for the first time, I experienced depth perception like never before. Great distances were always before me, but the sense of depth was not fully experienced.
The disciples had been raised in a religious culture. When Jesus called them, he began teaching them the Truth in a way other rabbis had not. The disciples saw and heard Jesus, and still their minds did not understand how what he was saying tied perfectly into the Bible till on the day of his resurrection Jesus “opened their minds to they could understand the Scriptures. (45)”
Luke does not explain how Jesus turned the key and opened the door of understanding Scriptures. However, I believe it was more than teaching them, for Jesus had been teaching them for over three years. Indeed, to this very day, it is possible to read and study the Bible and never correctly perceive it. This gift is something only Jesus can give. Lord Jesus, help me not only to read the word, but understand, experience it, and live it. Penetrate my soul with your double-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12).
