Perception:
Awareness; Sense; recognition; cognition; open intuitive understanding.
To perceive, to know instinctively.
We have heard a lot in the these present days concerning awakening and awareness. But with awakening comes enlightenment and proper perceptions. To be aware is to be perceptive, cognizant and walking instinctively with understanding.
In Jesus day ... he spoke to his generation concerning spiritual perception. Let's read some about what was said and see spiritual perception at work.
Matthew 16
The Demand for a Sign
The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus and tested him by asking him to show them a sign from heaven.
He replied, "When evening comes, you say, 'It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,' and in the morning, 'Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.' You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times.
A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a miraculous sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah." Jesus then left them and went away.
Amazing ... the religious leaders looking for signs to prove that Jesus was who he said he was ... looking outward for some proof, evidence that Jesus was sent of God. They read the skies but could not discern the Christ. OH ... those religious leaders!
The Yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees
When they went across the lake, the disciples forgot to take bread."Be careful," Jesus said to them.
"Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees."
"It is because we didn't bring any bread."
Look at how the disciples ... begin to look at the situation at hand. The Pharisees and Sadducees had just been among them talking about signs ... asking for outward proofs of Christ realities. And these ole' boys are checking out the food stock!
Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked, "You of little faith, why are you talking among yourselves about having no bread?
Do you still not understand?
Don't you remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered?
Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered?
How is it you don't understand that I was not talking to you about bread? But be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees."
Then they understood that he was not telling them to guard against the yeast used in bread, but against the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
Notice in these part of the text that Jesus was Aware ... he perceived what the disciples were talking about. He was aware of people around him, of both their thoughts, conversations and intents. He could read a person a mile away so to speak. While the religious of the day was looking for signs and the disciples off in the carnal arena most of the time.
Peter's Confession of Christ
When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples,"Who do people say the Son of Man is?"
They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets."
*Jesus was checking out their awareness levels.
When he ask who people said he was ... they knew all that ... that were up on the open town gossip, but watch what happens when he ask them ... "Who do you, say that I am?"
"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?"
Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."
* Bingo ... Jackpot ... Oh, Happy Day for one perceptive follower! Amazing 12 close followers ... one awake ... perceptive ... aware!
And even that one would soon be found sleeping again in the Garden and also in denial of this present truth in the court yards not many days hence. Jesus being fully awake ... and aware had a knowing of all of the present coming events with this follower Simon (little reed, still easily shaken in the winds), he proclaimed a blessing over such awareness.
Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven (a spiritual revelation/perception/awareness).
And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."
*Not only did Peter understand who Jesus was ... Jesus also revealed to Peter who he was! Spiritual Awareness ... proper perception opens up an entire new world. Revealing things much deeper than the carnal arena!
