Listening and hearing

On hearing it, many of his disciples said, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?” –John 6:60 (NIV)

Last weekend I was leading worship for some kindergartners and preschoolers. The theme of the lesson was how God gives us His power to make good choices. The Bible story was the one where Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah refused the king’s rations and requested a healthier (kosher) diet. One little girl kept putting her hands over her ears. Her teacher leaned over to ask her if the sound was too loud. “We can turn the microphones down”, she said. The little girl replied, “No, it isn’t that. I just don’t like this story. He keeps talking about eating vegetables!”

I could relate. I have found some biblical ideas tough to hear as well. The verse quoted above was the response of some of Jesus’ followers after He told them they needed to eat His flesh and drink His blood in order to have life in Him. At this point in His ministry, Jesus knew some were following in order to see a miracle or get a free meal; He was turning a corner, and it was time to “cull the herd”. He was looking for those who were committed, and letting them know the way forward would not be easy.

Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. –John 8:43 (NIV)

Jesus could be ambiguous sometimes. Even those closest to him had to ask for clarification on some of the parables. But for the most part, the things Jesus said about Himself were clear. The more you read, and the deeper Jesus got into His ministry, the clearer and more provocative His words became. The issue was not one of whether the message was being presented honestly and completely. It was whether the hearts that were hearing the message were ready to receive it.

On multiple occasions, Jesus told those closest to Him that He would be arrested, tried, and killed in Jerusalem. Yet it was a surprise to them when it happened. The Jewish leaders, familiar as they were with the words of the Old Testament prophets, knew exactly what Jesus was getting at when He called Himself the “Son of Man” and repeatedly used “I AM” statements to describe His mission. They listened very closely to all Jesus said, parsing every phrase looking for statements they could use in an accusation of blasphemy.

Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? –Luke 6:46 (NIV)

For the disciples and the detractors, they missed the message because they could not hear what He said. Jesus did not fit their paradigm of the way the world works, the way God works, the way religion works. It’s often hard to find what we aren’t looking for. Lord, help me to listen AND to hear. Some of your words are encouraging, some are convicting, some carry commandments that require sacrifice. All are life-giving. Make Your language clear for me. Remove the layers of assumption, tradition, and self-justification that so often muffle your words – help me seek, accept, and obey.