“Did you hear what I just said?” is a question I ask my kids a lot. The answer is almost always yes. But when I follow up with, “What did I say?” it usually reveals what I already suspected—they heard my voice, but they weren’t actually listening.
If I mention something they really care about, like a friend coming over, an upcoming trip, or the new Mario movie, they can quote my words back like they’re reading off a piece of paper. But if I’m talking about something that requires patience, attention to detail, or change, then details get fuzzy. We call it selective hearing. I’m guilty of it too.
We don’t actually listen with our ears. Sure, we hear sounds with them, but listening is a posture, not a sense.
That’s part of why Matthew 13 feels like a turning point in the book. It’s here that Jesus starts teaching in parables—short stories designed to reveal something new to those willing to listen. Over the next five days, we’ll read through six different parables. After telling the first one, Jesus says, “Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand” (v. 9).
Then the disciples ask a follow-up question: “Why do you use parables when you talk to the people?” (v. 10)
We all want to be easily understood, but in this chapter, Jesus seems uninterested in the same thing. Parables conceal their meaning rather than stating it outright. They’re an invitation to pause, get curious, and seek understanding. An apprentice of Jesus is one who tries to listen to him, rather than just hear his words.
That feels especially fitting for Lent. It’s a season where we slow down on purpose, not to earn anything, but to become the kind of people who can actually sit at the feet of Jesus and truly listen. That’s when we get the chance to learn something new about this kingdom he’s bringing.
Tomorrow, Jesus explains the meaning of the parable of the farmer scattering seeds. It’ll help us locate ourselves in the crowd, so we can make room for his kingdom invitation to take root. For now, though, let’s take the posture of an apprentice, interested in Jesus’ intent and not our own.
Reflection:
- What posture are you bringing to Jesus right now: open and teachable or guarded and already decided? How can you be more open and teachable?
- What is one place where you might be practicing “selective hearing” with Jesus because his words require patience, change, or something unexpected?
- During Lent, what is one simple way you can slow down to truly listen to Jesus?