Simply Jesus - Listen

By guest blogger - John Dangana

Mark 4

‘Then He taught them many things by parables, and said to them in His teaching: ‘Listen!’”(Mark 4: 2)

Listening is a prerequisite to learning! The inability to listen is a sure sign of stupidity.
It’s no surprise that Jesus began his teaching with the word ‘Listen!’ Here are two definitions for listening:

1. To give attention with the ear; attend closely for the purpose of hearing; give ear.
2. To heed and to obey.

The first places emphasis on the ear, however, it can be argued that listening can happen without ears. Deaf people can ‘listen’ without ears by giving attention to what is said by sign language.

The second places emphasis on effort and action. It takes listening from the mental realm to action. What’s the point of understanding God’s word without doing it? In reality, those who listen to God’s word and do it are those who have really listened to what He has said. A sign of good listening is obedience.

Listen!