What other scriptures emphasize the importance of listening to Jesus' words? Hearing Jesus in Revelation 1:11 “ ‘Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches…’ ” (Revelation 1:11). John is commanded to write exactly what he hears and sees from the risen Christ. From the very first chapter, the book of Revelation insists that believers must pay close, obedient attention to Jesus’ words. Echoes from the Gospels: Jesus’ Own Invitation to Listen • Matthew 7:24 – 27: “Everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” • Matthew 17:5: On the Mount of Transfiguration, the Father declares, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him!” • John 10:27: “My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.” • Luke 11:28: “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” Together these passages paint a clear, repeated portrait: hearing Jesus is inseparable from obeying Him. The Epistles Underscore the Same Priority • Hebrews 2:1: “We must pay closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away.” • James 1:22: “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” • 1 Thessalonians 2:13: The Thessalonians are commended for receiving the apostolic message “not as the word of men, but as it truly is, the word of God.” Revelation Continues the Call • Revelation 2 – 3: Seven times Jesus says, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” • Revelation 3:20: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him…” Why Listening Matters • It proves love for Christ (John 14:23-24). • It anchors a life that withstands storms (Matthew 7:24-27). • It safeguards against drifting (Hebrews 2:1). • It brings blessing now and reward later (Revelation 1:3; Luke 11:28). Living It Out • Read Scripture expectantly, believing Jesus still speaks through His written word. • Invite the Spirit to highlight commands or promises needing immediate obedience. • Act on what you hear—the New Testament never separates hearing from doing. • Encourage fellow believers to keep their “ears” tuned to Christ’s voice, just as the seven churches were urged in Revelation. |
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