How does Revelation 3:22 connect with Jesus' teachings in the Gospels? Verse under Focus “Revelation 3:22: ‘He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’” Recurring Call to Hear in the Gospels • Jesus repeatedly used the same summons: “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” – Matthew 11:15; 13:9 – Luke 8:8; 14:35 • In every setting Jesus highlighted more than physical listening; He called for spiritual receptivity. Same Voice, Now Through the Spirit • In Revelation the risen Christ still speaks, but now “through the Spirit.” • Promised during His earthly ministry: – John 14:26 – the Spirit will “teach you all things.” – John 16:13 – the Spirit will “guide you into all truth.” • Revelation 3:22 shows this promise fulfilled: the identical voice that spoke in Galilee now addresses the churches by the Spirit. Hearing and Doing: Obedience Emphasized • Jesus connected hearing with action. – Luke 11:28 – “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” – Matthew 7:24 – “Hears these words of Mine and acts on them…” • Revelation mirrors that pattern: Revelation 1:3 blesses those who “hear” and “keep” the words of the prophecy. • Each letter to the seven churches pairs the call to hear with commands to repent, endure, and conquer (Revelation 2–3). For Believers Today • The directive is still present-tense; every follower of Christ possesses “ears” fashioned for spiritual hearing. • Listening involves deliberate stillness, attentive Scripture reading, and yieldedness to the Spirit’s conviction. • Authentic hearing produces obedience, bearing the fruit Jesus described in the good soil (Luke 8:15). |
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