In the Gospels and in the letters to the churches in the Book of Revelation, the phrase “ears to hear” is used regularly. The familiar story of the sower and the seed in Mark’s gospel begins with Jesus saying, “Listen.” How often do you listen without listening or hear without really hearing?
When Jesus taught this parable, he was at the Sea of Galilee. There were distractions… the sound of the waves lapping against the shore, the shout of fishermen out on the water hauling in a catch, maybe the whirring of birds or insects, or the sounds made by the breeze. The eyes of His audience may have been distracted by the rocking of the boat Jesus was in or activities along the water’s edge. Other senses might have been distracted by smells, the touch of a neighbor, the flavor of the sea air.
Active listening is a skill that requires total sensory attention to the speaker, understanding what is being said, reflecting on what is being said, and having a response. Active listening also includes retaining the information for future purposes. Jesus probably said, “Listen,” because He knew the people and, even though His illustrations were simple, they may not understand. Many were less concerned with what He had to say and more interested in seeing a miracle of some sort.
How do you respond when Jesus says, “Listen.” Are you open to new information and a new understanding? Do you reflect on what He has told you? Are you learning something you can put into practice? Or are you like the good soil in the parable of the sower, where the seed grows and is productive?
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