Then Jesus said, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.” Mark 4:9 (NIV)
Have you heard the expression, “Put on your listening ears?” When our boys were young and not paying attention, we’d ask them if they had their listening ears on. Oh, they heard us talking; they would see our mouths moving and sounds coming from our mouths, but they simply weren’t tuning in to the conversation. Sometimes, it may have been because they didn’t want to acknowledge the message, but more often than not, they were preoccupied with whatever they were doing. Once we had their attention, things went more smoothly. For example, if we were getting ready to leave the playground, we would tell them, “You have two more minutes, then we need to go.”
Today’s verse comes from the Parable of the Sower, Mark 4:1-20, where Jesus emphasizes the significance of being receptive to His teachings. In this parable, Jesus describes different types of soil, representing different responses to the Word of God:
The Path: This represents those who hear the message but don't understand it, allowing the enemy to snatch away what was sown in their hearts.
Rocky Ground: These people hear and receive the Word with joy, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but they quickly fall away when trouble or persecution comes.
Among Thorns: This soil type represents those who hear the Word, but the worries of life, the deceitfulness of wealth, and the desires for other things choke the Word, making it unfruitful.
Good Soil: This represents those who hear the Word, accept it, and produce a crop—thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times what was sown.
When Jesus says, "Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear," He calls for a deeper level of listening—a heart ready to receive and act upon His words. It's not just about hearing the sounds but truly understanding and integrating the message into one's life.
This parable reminds us that true listening involves discernment and obedience. It calls us to focus, understand, and allow the teachings to bear fruit in our lives.
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Your Word, which guides and nurtures our souls. Help us to truly listen with ears ready to hear and hearts open to understanding. May we be like the good soil, receptive to Your teachings and eager to let Your truth take root in our lives. Grant us the discernment to recognize Your voice amidst the noise of our daily lives and the strength to obey Your will. Let Your Word bear fruit in us, leading to actions that reflect Your love and grace. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
Comments