Reasoning or Perceiving?

When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee. But there was certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts, Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only? And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts? Luke 2:5-8 (KJV) emphasis mine

This passage shows us two contrasting approaches to life and faith. The scribes reasoned, but Jesus perceived.

Reasoning in this passage is the Greek word dialogizomai, which means to reckon, deliberate, to consider, reason, think. The heart refers figuratively to the thoughts or feelings. The scribes were operating in natural man’s ways. They were reasoning and deliberating in their thoughts and feelings. The soul of man is made up of the mind, will, and emotions. These men were operating in their souls.

On the other hand, Jesus perceived in His spirit. Perceive is the Greek word epiginosko, which means to know, to recognize, to perceive. In other words, Jesus knew what they were thinking. How did He know? He perceived in His spirit, which is pneuma in Greek and does indeed refer to the spirit. He knew their thoughts by what he received through his spirit. The Holy Spirit communicated to Him through his spirit and told him their thoughts and reasonings.

Jesus is to be our example, and no one else. However, how many times do we approach a situation or problem and use reasoning and logic to try to figure things out? Human mental ability falls short. The best way to deal with something is by the wisdom and supernatural understanding of God that comes through our spirits. When we still ourselves, ask God for wisdom, and wait for the answer from the Holy Spirit, we can get solutions that lead us to victory- and often save us time.

Don’t be like the scribes and reason in your heart. Be like Jesus and perceive in your spirit!