During His earthly ministry, Jesus often concluded a lesson by crying out, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear”, concerning John the Baptist (Matthew 11:15), concerning the parable of the sower (Matthew 13:9), and concerning the explanation of the parable of the tares (Matthew 13:43). In His letters to the churches of Asia, Jesus concludes each with a similar saying: “He who has an ear. let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” (Revelation 2:7,11,17,29; 3:6,13,22). What is the point of these sayings? It is akin to saying “What is being said is very important, so you had better pay attention and listen!” (Mark 4:23-25). It might illustrate that Jesus had a problem that often exists today. Many people simply don’t listen, or don’t listen so as to understand. I am convinced that many today don’t appreciate the importance of listening well…..
There Are Three Types Of Listeners
- THE “DULL OF HEARING”…
Some of the Hebrew Christians were like this (Hebrews 5:11). Note that when a person has this problem, it is hard for others to explain things to them! The fault is not with the “subject” material, nor the “presenter”, but with the “listener”! Isaiah wrote of such people, and Jesus applied it to many in His day (Matthew 13:13-15). People are this way because they are dull of heart! And this prevents them from: Understanding God’s truth, turning from sin to God, And being healed (saved) by God!
2. THOSE WITH “ITCHING EARS”…
Paul describes these in (2 Timothy 4:3-4). Such people listen only to that which is pleasing. So they don’t like “sound doctrine” (which often requires the kind of preaching mentioned in (2 Timothy 4:2). They will find the teachers they want…but then they turn from the truth to fables
THOSE WHO HEAR WITH “A NOBLE AND GOOD HEART”…
Jesus speaks of these in (Luke 8:15). The Berean’s were listeners of this kind (Acts 17:11). They were “fair-minded” (NKJV), thus willing to give Paul a fair hearing. It showed in how they “received” (or listened to) the word: “with all readiness.”
What kind of years do You have?