<p>17:13&nbsp;<em>Then understood the disciples that he spoke to them of John the Baptist</em>- Towards the end of Matthew 12 and throughout chapter 13, the Lord had explained at length how Israel&nbsp;<em>en masse</em>&nbsp;had&nbsp;<em>not</em>&nbsp;&quot;understood&quot; (the same word is used) about John, but the disciples&nbsp;<em>had</em>&nbsp;understood (Mt. 13:13-15,19,23). He then solemnly asked the disciples whether they had &quot;understood&quot; (s.w.; Mt. 13:51), and they assured Him that they had. They are presented as children, saying they understand when they don't. The Lord commended them for understanding when the masses didn't. But this understanding was imputed to them by Him. On one hand we see His simple and pure love for them, counting them as understanding what they didn't; on the other, we see how His hope that they would understand paid off, for they did finally. And this is the practical outworking of imputed righteousness and the status that is counted to us &quot;in Christ&quot;- we are to live out that status in practice, and the Lord works patiently with us to ensure that we do. And likewise in our pastoral work with others; faith and love and hope in others are at times rewarded, although not always.</p>