Revelation
There is a powerful thread woven throughout Scripture, especially in the resurrection narratives: spiritual understanding is not something we achieve, it is something God reveals.
Again and again in the Gospels we see people who were close to Jesus, who heard His teaching and even loved Him deeply, yet still needed God Himself to open their understanding.
Revelation is not the product of human reasoning. It is the result of divine unveiling.
Flesh and Blood Reveal
When Peter boldly declared who Jesus was, Jesus immediately clarified where that understanding came from.
“Simon Peter answered and said, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’
Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.’”
— Matthew 16:16–17 (NKJV)
Peter did not arrive at this conclusion through intellect or deduction. Many people had seen Jesus teach and perform miracles, yet they did not recognize Him as the Messiah. Peter’s understanding came through revelation from the Father.
The most important truths about Jesus are not discovered naturally. They are revealed supernaturally.
Burning Hearts Are Not the Same as Revelation
After the resurrection, two disciples walked along the road to Emmaus discussing the events surrounding Jesus’ crucifixion. As they talked, something remarkable happened:
“Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were restrained, so that they did not know Him.”
— Luke 24:15–16 (NKJV)
Jesus was walking beside them, yet they could not recognize Him. As they continued down the road, Jesus explained the Scriptures concerning the Messiah. Later they reflected on the moment:
“Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?”
— Luke 24:32 (NKJV)
Their hearts burned as He spoke. Something inside them stirred as the Scriptures came alive. But even with burning hearts and clear teaching, they still did not recognize Him. It wasn’t until later that something supernatural occurred:
“Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him.”
— Luke 24:31 (NKJV)
Their hearts were stirred. The Scriptures had been explained. Jesus Himself was present.
Yet recognition only came when their eyes were opened. God had to reveal.
Understanding Must Be Open
Later, when Jesus appeared to the gathered disciples, the same pattern appeared again.
“And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures.”
— Luke 24:45 (NKJV)
These were men who had walked with Jesus for years. They had heard His teaching repeatedly. They were familiar with the Scriptures.
Still, their understanding had to be opened. Knowledge alone was not enough. Revelation had to come.
The Holy Spirit Continues to Reveal
This pattern did not end with the resurrection. Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would continue the work of revealing truth to believers.
“However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth.”
— John 16:13 (NKJV)
The apostle Paul echoes the same truth:
“But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit.”
— 1 Corinthians 2:10 (NKJV)
He then explains why this is necessary:
“But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God… because they are spiritually discerned.”
— 1 Corinthians 2:14 (NKJV)
Spiritual truth cannot be grasped by intellect alone. It must be revealed by the Spirit of God.
The Pattern is Clear
Throughout these passages the same truth appears again and again:
The Father revealed Christ to Peter.
Jesus opened the Scriptures on the Emmaus road.
Jesus opened the disciples’ understanding.
The Holy Spirit now continues to unveil truth.
Revelation is not something we manufacture through effort. It is something God graciously gives. This truth should lead us to humility when we approach Scripture and when we seek to understand the things of God. We are not merely gathering information, we are asking God to reveal Himself.
Because the deepest truths of the Kingdom are not simply learned. They are unveiled.
Closing Prayer
Lord, thank You that You are a God who reveals. Open our eyes to see what we cannot see on our own. Open our minds to understand Your Word, and teach us to depend on Your Spirit for truth. Guard us from relying on our own understanding, and lead us into the revelation that comes from You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Reflection Questions:
- Where in your life might you be relying on your own understanding rather than asking God for revelation?
- Have you experienced a moment when God suddenly “opened your eyes” to something in Scripture?
- How might your approach to reading the Bible change if you intentionally asked the Holy Spirit to reveal truth before you begin?
For more information:
Read:
There’s A Super on Your Natural: https://lisa-schwarz.com/super/
Truth that Transforms: https://lisa-schwarz.com/truth-that-transforms/
Watch: Enforcing Prayer Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLaMLikcR9YvaFJs9YK5rAxQ09GLGoLXJV&si=0H0S-Ik-EDuo5KEu
