He who has ears [to hear], let him be listening and let him consider and perceive and comprehend by hearing. (Matthew 13:9 AMPC)
I was starting to study the Parable of the Sower/Parable of the Seeds in Matthew 13 when I got “stuck” on one statement. Depending on the Bible translation, Matthew 13:9 sounds like this:
“Whoever has ears to hear, let him hear.” (ESV)
“Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.” (NLT)
“He who has ears [to hear], let him hear and heed My words.” (AMP)
“Are you listening to this? Really listening?” (MSG)
“The man who has ears should use them!” (PHILLIPS)
After Jesus has told the parable to the people, he closes this part of the teaching with the exhortation to really listen to his words.
Sometimes we equate “hearing” with “listening,” but they are not the same. “Hearing” is the an involuntary and physical process of the ears perceiving sound. “Listening” is a voluntary, intentional, paying attention in order to interpret and comprehend those sounds.
In my reading, Jesus seems to be saying that if you have ears you can hear and you can listen. If you can hear and listen you should be paying attention to what he’s saying. And if you are paying attention, then you should respond.
“If you’re able to understand this, then you need to respond.” (TPT)
Later to his disciples he will explain what each of the four soils mean. The seed on the path represents those who listen but don’t understand so the Kingdom truth is snatched away. The seed that sprouts in the gravel represents those who have heard but their spiritual roots are not very deep and can’t support their faith in times of trouble. The seed that grows among the thorns represents those who have divided hearts and the Kingdom message gets suffocated and choked out. But the last seed lands and grows in good soil and yields a good crop. Jesus explains to the disciples that the people think they are looking for truth, but their hearts are unteachable. Ouch. I certainly don’t want to be “unteachable.” I expect you don’t, either.
Sometimes Jesus’s words are kind, encouraging, and gentle. But other times he is firm, direct, and leaves no room for disobedience. IF you hear and listen to what he says, THEN you should respond. Don’t let the “seed” of Kingdom Truth get lost in misunderstanding, choked by the weeds in your life, or die because your spiritual roots are weak. When you hear Kingdom Truths, then listen – really listen! – and apply those things to your life. When we respond with an open heart to his Words – when we are teachable – then we will grow in revelation, understanding, wisdom, and knowledge. We will grow in God.
Jesus,
Thank you for your teachings that help us understand and know you and your Kingdom. Thank you for your continued call to be teachable and to grow in the things of God. Forgive us when we allow our lives to be choked with weeds, allow our minds and spirits to be unfocused, and do not tend to our relationships with you. Help us to not only hear, but to listen, and to respond to what your Holy Spirit is calling us to do. Help us to seek your Truth and to share it with the world around us. We ask this in Jesus’s name, AMEN.