The Stunning Paradox of Hearing But Not Listening
Photo by Marc-Olivier Jodoin on Unsplash
“Are you listening?”
At times we may hear without listening. This is a stunning paradox but true.
This is demonstrated countless times by children when their parents ask or tell them to do something. It’s common among spouses too. As my wife asks me too often, “Did you hear what I said?” My typical response is, “Yes, but I was thinking of something else.”
Sometimes we don’t hear what someone says because our minds are occupied with other thoughts. But there’s a more defiant reason for not listening or hearing—we don’t want to accept or acknowledge what is said.
Children and young people often do this when they want to do something other than what they’re told. When a parent tells their child to clean their room or be home at a certain time, they may say “ok” yet without any intention to do so.
The same indifference and defiance exist when someone with influence or authority tells us something. I’ve run into this countless times while counseling people, in the course of teaching and preaching, and as a leader of staff in ministries.
This kind of indifference or defiance carries over to our relationship with God.
For many centuries, the Jewish people expected a Messiah who was promised to come for them. When He came, they didn’t believe or accept Him.
Why? Because Jesus wasn’t who they expected Him to be. When He spoke, they only heard what they wanted to hear. They didn’t listen well.
Scripture
The Festival of the Dedication of the Temple took place in Jerusalem during the winter. Jesus was walking on Solomon’s porch in the temple courtyard. The Jews surrounded him. They asked him, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.” [vss 22-24]
Jesus answered them, “I’ve told you, but you don’t believe me. The things that I do in my Father’s name testify on my behalf. However, you don’t believe because you’re not my sheep. My sheep respond to my voice, and I know who they are. They follow me, and I give them eternal life. They will never be lost, and no one will tear them away from me.
My Father, who gave them to me, is greater than everyone else, and no one can tear them away from my Father. The Father and I are one.” [vss 25-30]
(John 10:22-30 GW)
Key phrase—
I’ve told you, but you don’t believe me.
Digging Deeper...
Review the Scriptures above as you answer the following questions
When does this part of the story take place and where do the Jews encounter Jesus?
What do the Jews ask, even demand of Jesus?
How does Jesus respond to these Jewish leaders?
What does Jesus say about them?
What does Jesus say about Himself and those who do hear Him?
Reflection...
In the early years of His public ministry, Jesus was well received by people. They saw and often experienced miracles which drew even larger crowds who came to hear Jesus.
But Jesus was not so popular among the Jewish leaders. They didn’t understand why Jesus spent much of His time among the common people and in the region of Galilee north of Jerusalem.
The Jewish leaders took offense to Jesus because He didn’t fit their expectations of a Messiah. They wanted a Messiah who would lead a revolt to overthrow the Roman occupation of Israel. They expected a warrior-king like David.
The Jewish leaders might accept Jesus as a prophetic teacher (the Son of Man) but not as the Son of God. They could accept the humanity of Jesus but not His divine nature as the Son of God.
This dilemma of the dual nature of Jesus is a puzzle and stumbling block for many people today. Many people cannot or will not accept the divine nature of Jesus. As I’ve heard many people say, “Jesus never said He was God!”
This is how Jesus responded to those who questioned who He was—
Jesus answered them, “I’ve told you, but you don’t believe me… The Father and I are one.” (John 10:25, 30 GW)
Taking it to heart...
Read through the Scripture text again as you consider and answer these questions
In what way do the Jewish leaders approach Jesus as He walks in the temple courtyard?
Based on what Jesus tells them, why do the Jews not believe Jesus is the Messiah?
What encouraging assurances does Jesus give about those who do trust in Him?
Of the 4 assurances Jesus gives, which of these is most important to you?
If you haven’t known these assurances in a personal way, what holds you back from believing?
Personalize it...
Meditate On This— We can hear without listening. This is a stunning paradox but true. We need to examine why we resist, don’t accept, or acknowledge the truth. Many people accept the humanity of Jesus but refuse to believe He is the Son of God. We only know His assurances when we trust in Him.
Prayer Focus— When you find yourself resisting the truth of God, ask the Lord to help you see why this is. When you question the assurances of the Lord, ask Him to help you see where you are not trusting in Him and why this is so.
©2021—Word-Strong