A simple reflection on hearing God’s message, understanding it, and putting it into practice.
What Did Jesus Mean by “Those Who Have Ears to Hear”?
Many times in the Bible, Jesus says, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” At first, that may sound strange. Most people have ears, so why would Jesus say it that way? He was not just talking about hearing sounds. He was talking about paying attention with the heart. Jesus was saying, “Don’t just hear My words—really listen, understand, and let them change you.”
Real Listening Starts in the Heart
There is a big difference between hearing words and receiving them. We can sit in church, read a Bible verse, or hear a sermon and still walk away unchanged. Real listening happens when we let God’s truth reach our hearts. It means being humble enough to say, “Lord, what are You trying to show me?” It means being willing to be corrected, encouraged, and guided by God.
Asking God for Understanding
Not everyone understood Jesus when He taught. Some heard His words but missed the point. Others listened closely, asked questions, and wanted to learn. That is why spiritual discernment matters. Discernment is simply the ability to understand what God is saying and recognize what is true. We grow in discernment when we pray, read Scripture, think deeply, and stay open to God’s correction.
Hearing Should Lead to Action
Jesus never meant for His words to stop at our ears. He wants His words to shape how we live. In the parable of the sower, Jesus described different kinds of soil to show how people respond to God’s word. Some hearts are hard, some are distracted, and some are ready to receive. The good soil represents people who hear, understand, and live differently because of God’s truth.
Some Hearts Are Open, and Some Are Closed
When Jesus taught, people responded in different ways. Some religious leaders heard Him but refused to change. His disciples did not always understand everything right away, but they kept coming back, asking questions, and learning. That is an important lesson for us. God can work with a person who is humble and willing to listen, even if they do not have all the answers.
Where This Phrase Shows Up in the Bible
Jesus used this phrase after important teachings, including the parable of the sower in Matthew 13:9. A similar message appears in Revelation, where the churches are told to hear what the Spirit is saying. Jesus also used the phrase when talking about John the Baptist. In each case, the message is clear: God is speaking, but we must be willing to listen with faith and respond.
Learning from John the Baptist
John the Baptist lived with purpose. He was not focused on comfort, popularity, or pleasing people. His job was to prepare the way for Jesus, and he did it with courage. His life reminds us that truly hearing God often means putting God’s will above our own desires. It may require sacrifice, honesty, and a willingness to stand for truth.
What This Means for Us Today
Today, we are surrounded by noise—news, opinions, social media, worries, and distractions. It is easy to hear many voices and miss the voice of God. Jesus’ words invite us to slow down and pay attention. We can ask ourselves: Am I only hearing Scripture, or am I letting it shape me? Am I willing to obey God when His word challenges me? Am I making room to listen?
Conclusion: Let God’s Word Take Root
“Those who have ears to hear” is more than a familiar Bible phrase. It is a loving call from Jesus to pay attention, understand, and respond. God does not want us to be passive listeners. He wants His word to take root in us, grow in us, and show up in the way we live. In a loud and busy world, may we become people who truly listen to God and follow His voice with humble hearts.
Minister A Francine Green I July 2026