Teaching Those Who Don't Want to be Taught

Steven’s Scribbles
“Teaching Those Who Don’t Want to be Taught”
Matt. 7:6
    
    Matt. 7:6 is often used to justify giving up on teaching people. “Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.” Now, I absolutely agree that one can not teach an individual who does not wish to learn. Jesus consistently said, “He who has ears, let him hear” (Matt. 11:15; 13:9). You can not force someone to hear and listen to Jesus’ message, but I do think we give up too easily. In Matt. 7:6 Jesus talks about dogs and swine. There are other times when those descriptions are used in scripture. Paul tells the church at Corinth, “I fought with wild beasts at Ephesus” (1 Cor. 15:32). Dogs and swine would certainly classify as “wild beasts.” Read Acts 19:21-41 (Context starts at 19:1). You see that these “wild beasts” were a mob that rose up and would not listen to reason because it affected their way of life. It would be a waste of time to continue to argue with a mob that was rushing on wishing to silence you through force or the law. However, that’s not how we use it. “I tried to teach ______ about baptism, but they wouldn’t listen. I guess Matt. 7:6 was correct.” “I tried to help _______ understand the truth about marriage, remarriage, and divorce, but they wouldn’t listen. I guess Matt. 7:6 is always right.” My encouragement to you family, is to not give up easily. Short of a mob coming for you, keep fighting the good fight! I love you all!


In His service,
Steven Hugley