LET THE EARS HEAR

In Matthew, Mark, Luke, and Revelation, Jesus repeatedly uses these words: “Ears to hear, let him hear,” and “He that hath an ear, let him hear.” 

Commentators believe Jesus used these words to admonish people to listen carefully and comprehend the message He intended to convey. After hearing the message, they should conform their ways, thus yielding a positive outcome. It was also used as a warning to the unrepented, hardhearted, and unhearing that consequences would occur for their negative actions.

In Matthew 11:15, Jesus used the phrase, “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear” concerning John the Baptist while talking to the people who lived in Chorazin, Bethsaida, Tyre, Sidon, and Capernaum.

In Matthew 13:43, while talking to his disciples in a house, Jesus used the phrase, “Who hath ears to hear, let him hear, “concerning the parable of wheat and tares.

In Matthew 13:9, Mark 4:9, and Luke 8:8, while sitting in a ship teaching a great multitude, Jesus used the phrase, “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear,” concerning the sower’s seeds distribution.

In Mark 4:23, talking to his disciples, Jesus used the phrase, “If any man have ears to hear, let him hear,” concerning the manifestation of hidden things.

In Mark 7:16, Jesus called all the people to him and used the phrase, “If any man have ears to hear, let him hear,” concerning that which defiles a man.

In Luke 14:35, as He traveled from one area to another, Jesus said to the multitude following Him, “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.” concerning the purpose of salt.

In Revelation 2:7, 11,17, 29, 3:6, 13, and 22, Jesus sent a message to the churches at Ephesus. Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea. He addressed each of them concerning that which would allow them to be overcomers, and He used the phrase, “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.”

As in the days of old, Jesus is yet speaking to us. It behooves all believers who have ears to listen, lest we are labeled like those found in Ezekiel 12:2, which states, “Son of man, thou dwellest in the midst of a rebellious house, which have eyes to see, and see not; they have ears to hear, and hear not: for they are a rebellious house.”