In this moment, Jesus is speaking to His disciples, expressing a bit of frustration at their lack of understanding. He uses the word "dull" to highlight that they are not fully grasping the spiritual truths He is teaching. This interaction occurs in the context of a discussion about what truly defiles a person, emphasizing that spiritual insight is crucial for understanding God's ways. Jesus wants His followers to move beyond a literal interpretation of His teachings and to engage with the deeper, spiritual implications.
The disciples' confusion serves as a reminder that even those closest to Jesus struggled to fully comprehend His message at times. This can be comforting for modern believers, as it shows that spiritual growth is a journey and that questions and misunderstandings are part of the process. Jesus' question is an invitation to reflect more deeply and to seek greater clarity and wisdom in one's faith. It encourages believers to not just hear the words of Jesus, but to internalize and live by the spiritual truths they convey.