Cultivating Curiosity

Do you remember Curious George?

In most books, Curious George "was a good little monkey and always very curious”.


But in at least one of the books, we are told that "George was a good little monkey BUT he was always curious." (emphasis mine)



Maybe I'm exercising my exegetical skills too much as I read to our youngest child. But these two opening passges are conveying two different things, aren't they?

In version one, being "good" and being curious are compatible. In the second, the two characteristics are contrasted. 

Is it bad to be curious?

I would suggest it's not. In fact, it's a very important characteristic of disciples of Jesus Christ. 

Take Matthew 13 for example. At the beginning of the chapter, Jesus is teaching the multitudes. His twelve are there to hear the parable of the sower. In verse 10, they pull Jesus aside and show their curiosity: "Why do you speak to them in parables?" Jesus gives them a long answer then offers a bunch more parables. It's almost as if he's giving them six for the price of one. 

The disciples do seem to be listening quite well but still don't get it as they ask Jesus to explain one of the parables again (13:36). All of this leads up to a very unique conversation in verses 51 and 52 where Jesus asks them if they understand "all these things". I think we often pass over their answer a little too quickly.

In fact, as disciples of Jesus Christ, it's worth going back, reading the parables and allowing Jesus to ask US this question: "Have you understood all these things?" 

Given the fact that the disciples are often confused, lost or just wrong, and given the fact that we may not understand each of the parables very well, the disciples answer to Jesus is very surprising. 

"Yes."

How did they get there? What was the path from a confusing parable to crowds of people to understanding everything (!) Jesus taught the disciples that day? It was Jesus of course. He is the Great Teacher. And he indeed stands in the center of this text.

But Jesus' final parable in verse 52 points us back to the disciples. While Jesus is the one who leads his disciples from confusion to understanding, the disciples' curiosity as they follow their Lord is key.

They asked questions. They sought clarification. And they continued to follow and listen when things were confusing.

Like George, does curiosity get us in trouble sometimes? 

I believe it does. 

It was uncomfortable for Peter to understand later that he was wrong about dietary restrictions for Gentile Christians. It was shocking for Thomas to discover that Jesus had both died and risen again. Paul, after meeting Jesus, realized how what he had learned from childhood actually contradicted his current mission. He never lived a comfortable life after meeting Jesus.

No, cultivating curiosity is not easy. Learning and growing is not comfortable. 

But it is indeed one of the important characteristics of being a disciple of Jesus Christ. 





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