What does "hear and understand" in Matthew 15:10 imply about spiritual discernment? The Call to Listen: Matthew 15:10 “Jesus called the crowd to Him and said, ‘Hear and understand.’” “Hear” – More Than Audibility • Active attention: leaning in, intent on grasping truth (Mark 4:9). • Faith comes through this kind of hearing (Romans 10:17). • A heart posture open to correction (Proverbs 2:2). “Understand” – Grasping the Spiritual Meaning • Not mere intellect but Spirit-taught insight (1 Corinthians 2:14). • Connection between head and heart that leads to obedience (James 1:22). • Discernment that distinguishes human tradition from God’s command (context of Matthew 15:3-9). Spiritual Discernment in View • Discernment begins with receptive hearing, is confirmed by understanding, and is revealed in action. • Jesus shifts focus from external rituals (food laws) to inward purity (Matthew 15:11). • Genuine understanding exposes hypocrisy and guards against man-made religion (Isaiah 29:13; Matthew 15:8-9). Illustrations from Scripture • The Bereans “received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures” (Acts 17:11) — model hearing and understanding. • Sheep know the Shepherd’s voice and follow (John 10:27) — discernment rooted in relationship. • Mature believers “by constant use have trained their senses to distinguish good from evil” (Hebrews 5:14) — understanding sharpened by practice. Practical Takeaways • Approach Scripture expecting God to speak; silence competing voices. • Ask the Spirit to unlock meaning (Psalm 119:18). • Test every teaching against the written Word (1 John 4:1). • Move from information to transformation; let truth reshape motives and behavior. • Guard against traditions that nullify Scripture, measuring all by Christ’s standard. |
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