Listening on Purpose

Listening on purpose Matthew 11:15

It show a choice

Phrase “let him hear” is found eight times in the gospels and seven times in Revelation

1. Matthew 11:15 – John the Baptist (Disciples ask Jesus for John if he was the Christ) After answering them Jesus tells the multitudes around him. (If you will receive it, this is Elias [Elijah] which was to come)

a. Jesus is saying John the Baptist was the forerunner of the Messiah (me).

b. A choice was laid before them

2. Matthew 13:9 (also Mark 4:9,Luke 8:8)– Parable of the sower told unto the great multitude gathered around him (so many he had gotten into a ship to teach them)

a. He offers no explanation to the multitude simply gives the parable and then declares who hath ears to hear let him hear.

b. He did give the interpretation to the disciples later

c. The first one was a choice, this is a challenge and command to heed or pay attention to what he says as everyone fits into one of the categories that Jesus mentions.

3. Matthew 13:43 – Same chapter as first parable. The disciples had asked Jesus to interpret the parable of the tares in the field for them, which Jesus does in verses 37-43

a. Here we have a plain warning verses 41-43

4. Mark 4:23 – Jesus informs that everything will be brought out into the open someday

a. This can mean the secret things we do

b. Can also mean as Clarke mentions all things pertaining to salvation and types and shadows was made plain.

c. It is our responsibility those who have the ability to listen and do something about it.

5. Mark 7:16 It’s not the things entering into man that makes him dirty or impure, but the things that come out of him.

a. Jesus is saying the problem with man is not what he eats, or how he washes or does not wash his hands, but his heart, what is it like that is what defiles a man

i. Again the idea is listen to what I say and have the heart changed.

6. Luke 14:35 – Jesus give instructions on “How to Be A Disciple”

a. Here he gives this phrase right after showing that salt that has lost its savour or taste is not good for anything

i. Listen and take heed if we lose the Salt of the Spirit we have lost everything.

It is a challenge and command to heed (hear and obey) Christ’s words. It usually marks a warning or a conclusion to one section or topic and introduces another

He who has the faculty of understanding understand what I say

It takes more than an ear to hear what Jesus wanted. It’s one thing to listen to what Jesus said, it’s another thing to hear what he said. I can listen to the news, but it might just be noise unless I actually hear what they are saying.

Some are prone to stop their ears to the truth