How can we encourage others to heed Jesus' call in Matthew 11:15? the heart of the verse “ ‘He who has ears to hear, let him hear!’ ” (Matthew 11:15) Jesus issues an open summons: anyone gifted with physical ears is responsible to respond with spiritual obedience. Our task is to urge people not merely to acknowledge the words but to submit to the Person who speaks them. why the call still matters • The Speaker is the Lord (Matthew 28:18) • The message is life-giving truth (John 6:68) • Refusal brings judgment (John 12:48) how to encourage others to hear 1. model attentive listening • Live out James 1:22—“Be doers of the word and not hearers only.” • Speak of how Scripture corrects, comforts, and directs your daily steps (Psalm 119:105). People imitate authenticity. 2. clarify the call • Gently explain that Jesus is not offering advice; He is issuing a command. • Use Luke 9:35—“This is My Son…listen to Him!”—to show the Father’s endorsement. 3. cultivate spiritual appetite • Share testimonies of God’s faithfulness (Psalm 34:8). • Invite them to read a Gospel together; let the words of Christ create hunger (Romans 10:17). 4. remove competing noises • Help identify distractions—media overload, sinful habits, cynical voices (Mark 4:19). • Suggest practical steps: scheduled quiet times, device fasts, worship music that centers on Scripture. 5. pray Scripture aloud in their presence • Reading passages such as Revelation 3:20 can soften hearts as they hear Christ knocking. • The Spirit uses His Word to convict (John 16:8). 6. highlight eternal stakes • Point to Hebrews 2:1—“We must pay closer attention…lest we drift away.” • Show that today’s response shapes everlasting destiny (John 5:24). 7. connect community support • Invite them into small-group study where discussion reinforces hearing and doing (Acts 2:42). • Accountability encourages follow-through (Hebrews 10:24-25). safeguarding our own hearing • Daily Scripture intake (Joshua 1:8) • Immediate obedience to new light received (Psalm 119:60) • Regular self-examination (2 Corinthians 13:5) • Humble teachability (Proverbs 1:5) trusting the Spirit’s role Ultimately it is the Holy Spirit who grants ears to hear (John 16:13). As we model, explain, and invite, we rely on Him to open hearts (Acts 16:14). |
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