Closed Ears

It was a message Jesus emphasized throughout His ministry: “He who has ears to hear, let him hear” (Matthew 11:15). Yet it was one thing to “hear” His words, and quite another to take them seriously—to understand and apply them in our lives.

These concerns applied to skeptics, but also to Jesus’ disciples. Quoting Jeremiah, Jesus asked them, “Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear?” (Matthew 8:18) He promised blessings for those who truly heard, while warning that those who did not hear would forfeit the blessings God desired for them (Matthew 13:16).

So how can we be guilty of not “hearing” His Word? This means being closed to the work of His Spirit. We stubbornly refuse to change, refusing to be open to insights we find uncomfortable. We cling to our own worldview or reinterpret God’s words to fit our own desires.

This theme echoes throughout the ministry of Jeremiah. He was called to deliver God’s words, not his own opinions.

Jeremiah remained faithful but battled discouragement when few responded. He wondered, “To whom shall I speak?” But finally he concluded that “their ears are closed.”

Why were people so resistant to Jeremiah’s message? His listeners were consumed by their own ideas and refused to consider that God might want them to change. They did not treasure or even want to hear His Word.

These conditions are still prevalent today. They are true for unbelievers, nominal Christians, and even for committed Christians at times. Yes, any of us can have closed ears from time to time.

Ask God to show you if your ears have been closed. As you read His Word, let Him convict you of His truth. Be willing to lay everything aside that you might hear from Him.