The scripture I am using for this question is Matthew 13:9, “Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.“ I have a 2-part question for this scripture. Who are we listening for and what are we to understand? When I find a scripture that gives me many questions, I examine the scriptures before and after the scripture. I am also going to look for scriptures that could be the same as the one I am using. First, I am going back to the beginning of Mathew 13.  “later that same day Jesus left the house and sat beside the lake. A large crowd soon gathered around him, so he got into a boat. Then he sat there and taught as the people stood on the shore. He told many stories in the form of parables, such as these one. “Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seeds.” So, Jesus is teaching his followers by using stories in the form of parables. The parable Jesus is teaching is in Matthew 12:4-8. You can also find the same parable that Jesus teaches in Mark 4-9 and Luke 8:4-8. Jesus say’s “Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.” in Matthew 13:9 and Luke 8:8 and Mark 4:9.

Jesus gives us the meaning to this parable in Mark 4:10-12, Matthew 13:18-23 and Luke 8:9-15.

The answer to both of my questions are also in these scriptures. I am going to give you all of the scriptures then answer my questions.

Matthew 4:18-23 says, “Now listen to the explanation of the parable about the farmer planting seeds. The seed that fell on the foot path represents those who hear The Message about the Kingdom and do not understand it. Then the evil one comes and snatches away the seed that was planted in their hearts. The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the Message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing GOD’s word. The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear GOD’s word, but all too quickly the Message is crushed out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth so no fruit is produced. The seed that fell on good soil represents those who truly hear and understand GOD’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!”

Mark 4:10-12 says, “Later, when Jesus was alone with the others who gathered around, they asked him what the parables meant. He replied “You are permitted to understand the secret of The Kingdom of GOD. But I use parables for everything. I say to outsiders, so that the scriptures might be fulfilled: “When they see what I do, they will learn nothing. When they hear what I say, they will not understand. Otherwise, they will turn to me and be forgiven.”

Luke 8:9-15 says, “His disciples asked him what the parables meant. He replied, “You are permitted to understand the secrets of The Kingdom of GOD. But I use parables to teach the others so that the scriptures might be fulfilled: “When they look, they won’t really see. When they hear, they won’t understand.” This is the meaning of the parable. The seed is GOD’s word. The seeds that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the Message, only to have the devil come and take it away from their hearts and prevent them from believing and being saved. The seeds in rocky soil represents those who hear the Message and receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they believe for a while, then they fall away when they face temptation. The seeds that fell among the thorns represents those who hear the Message, but all too quickly the Message is crowded out by the cares and riches and pleasures of this life. And so they never grow into maturity. And the seed that fell on the good soil represents honest, good-hearted people who hear GOD’S word, cling to it, and patiently produce a huge harvest.” I know that was a lot of scripture. I feel like it is important to read GOD’s word. The answer to both of my questions is weaved amongst each other throughout all the scriptures. As I read the scriptures the listening became more than just who. The listening is also what. What are we to understand became, Am I listening to the right person and am I understanding the right message?

My answer to my question, “Who are we listening to and what are we to understand?” is the same answer for both questions.

GOD’s WORD

GOD’s Message

The secrets of the Kingdom of GOD

Secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven

Knowing the difference between theses and the cares and riches and pleasures of this life.

“Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.”

The first time I read these words I thought, I have heard GOD’s Message and understand it. But the more I study GOD’s Word I get more questions about GOD’S Word, and I wonder if GOD’S Message is being crowded out by the cares and riches and pleasures of my life. Matthew 13:9 is Jesus encouraging us to listen and understand, to pay attention to what we hear. To pay attention to life and GOD’S Message. And most of all knowing what GOD’S WORD is.

My question for myself and the world is. Do I have ears to hear GOD’S Message or am I letting the cares and riches and pleasures of my life crowd out GOD’S Message?

My prayer for me and the world is. OH Heavenly Father help me and the world hear your message. Help us to listen with our ears and heart. Help us understand the difference between your message and the cares and riches and pleasures of life. Show us how to live our lives so others will know GOD’S Message.

Amen