Mark 4:2 He taught them many things by parables, and in his teaching said: 3 "Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants, so that they did not bear grain. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up, grew and produced a crop, multiplying thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times." 9 Then Jesus said, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear."
“Lord, can you please speak more clearly?” Have you ever felt that way? I know I have. The Lord is the master of cloaked communication! All throughout the pages of scripture the Jesus consistently taught the people using parables that presented images that required interpretation. Jesus seldom spoke in plain and direct language. This pattern of communication was a chronic source of perplexity and frustration to many of those who were Jesus’ audience and the same is true today!
The choice of communication style that the Lord uses is a lesson in itself for all of those who are desiring truth with an open heart. This passage is powerful for both the parable itself and for the lesson in learning that is providing through the story. The starting place of Jesus’ parable, the very first word from His mouth is impacting for those who are truly searching. Before getting into the depths of His story Jesus seeks to bring His audience to a place of focus. He doesn’t just dive in to the depths of His message. Instead He calls to the crowd and says…”listen!” Why would a teacher who’s audience is already listening say to them “listen?” To change HOW they are listening. Have you ever heard something but missed the message of what was said only to have someone point out things in the communication that you missed completely? This is what Jesus was affecting in this moment. He calls them to listen closely, attentively, before going deep! This is wise communication.
Many people talk without being heard. Husbands and wives speak at each other rather than too each other. Teachers talk OVER their students rather than too their students, and much valuable content is wasted because it never enters the heart and life of the hearer. Jesus’ approach to communication greatly diminishes wasted words. He chooses the right setting to communicate, the boat, and He makes sure that He has the listening ear of His audience before beginning. Perhaps we could learn from this!?
Once Jesus has the attention of His audience He speaks in terms that are relevant to His audience. He does not speak in deep mystical terms to a blue collar crowd. He chooses the image farming that is very close to their daily lives. Only the hardest heart could miss the impact of His message because of His choice of examples.
The second powerful communication tool that Jesus utilizes in this opportunity is the closure of His message. He teaches this thought provoking parable and then ends with the words “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” In other words He calls them to reflect on what He has said. He challenges their openness to the truth by the words that He uses to finish His message as if to ask, “Do you really want to know!?” Many people don’t really want the truth. They want to feel good about themselves without ever facing the possibility that they may be wrong or need to change. They place themselves in the position of hearing the information without ever letting the information search them. The truth is intended to be a light that searches our hearts and provokes us to change by what it exposes in our lives. Has the Lord been speaking to you? Do you really want to hear? Let the word of the Lord search your heart and let your life be impacted by the power of His words. Give the Lord an open heart today!
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