Meeting guide · command 44
Ears to Hear
Listen receptively and respond to what Jesus is revealing rather than merely hearing His words as sound.
Read
Read the complete passage aloud.
Primary passage
Matthew 11:15
15 He who has ears to hear, let him hear.
World English Bible
After explaining John the Baptist's role, Jesus calls hearers to perceive the significance of what God is doing.
Discuss
Listen carefully to what Jesus says.
- What does Jesus command?
- What does this passage reveal about Him?
- Where do we resist this command?
- What is difficult or unclear?
- What keeps a person from truly hearing even when Jesus' words are familiar?
Practice
Choose one specific act of obedience.
Read the surrounding passage slowly twice, write what demands your attention, and obey the clearest implication rather than rushing onward.
Return
Come back and discuss what happened.
What did you hear differently, and what response showed that the word was received?
Close together
Pray. Then prepare to teach.
Pray
Jesus, give us ears that hear. Quiet our defensiveness and distraction so your truth can take root and move us.
Teach
Distinguish physical hearing from receptive understanding that recognizes and responds to God's work.