Understanding Jesus’ Call for Spiritual Listening
Reflecting on the Meaning in Everyday Terms
When Jesus said, “He who has ears, let him hear,” He wasn’t just talking about our physical ears or simple listening. He was inviting people to pay close attention and to really understand the deeper, spiritual truths in His teachings. This phrase is like saying, “Don’t just hear what I’m saying—think about it, let it sink in, and live it out.” It’s a call to be spiritually awake and open, not just going through the motions.
More Than Just Hearing Words
We all know what it’s like to hear someone but not really listen. Maybe you’ve been in a class, at church, or even chatting with a friend, and the words go in one ear and out the other. Jesus used this phrase to warn against that kind of shallow listening, especially when it comes to God’s message. He wanted people to listen with their hearts, not just their ears.
Why Did Jesus Use This Phrase?
· To Grab Attention: Jesus often said this after telling a parable or sharing an important teaching. It was His way of saying, “This matters! Think about what I just said.”
· For Deeper Understanding: Some of Jesus’ messages were challenging or mysterious. He wanted people to reflect deeply, not just hear the surface words.
· To Test Spiritual Sensitivity: Not everyone who heard Jesus really understood Him. Some were open and searching; others were closed off or distracted. This phrase separates those willing to seek God from those who aren’t.
· To Encourage Action: True hearing means doing something about it. Jesus’ words are meant to change us, not just fill our heads with knowledge.
Examples in the Bible
· Matthew 11:15: Jesus says, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear,” right after talking about John the Baptist. He’s urging people to understand the real role John played, not just see him as another preacher.
· Mark 4:9: After telling the Parable of the Sower, He repeats the phrase, calling listeners to grasp the meaning about how people receive God’s word.
· Revelation 2-3: Similar phrases appear in messages to the churches, telling them to pay attention to the Holy Spirit’s voice and respond accordingly.
Listening with “Ears of the Heart”
Jesus knew that hearing God’s truth isn’t just about having good hearing or being in the right place at the right time. It’s about being open, humble, and willing to learn and change. You might say He was inviting people to have “ears of the heart”—a spiritual sensitivity that goes beyond just sound. It’s a way of listening that leads to understanding, action, and a closer relationship with God.
The Challenge for Us Today
This saying is still relevant. It challenges us to ask: Are we really listening to God? Or are we letting important truths pass us by because we’re busy, distracted, or just don’t want to change? Jesus’ words remind us that God’s message is for everyone, but only those who listen with their whole heart will truly get it.
In Summary
“He who has ears, let him hear” is Jesus’ way of telling us to listen carefully, reflect deeply, and let God’s truth shape our lives. It’s about more than just sound—it’s about truly understanding, believing, and living out what we hear. The real question is: are we listening?
Minister A Francine Green
February 2026
afrancinegreen.com 