What did Jesus mean when He said, “He who has ears to hear”?

Answer

In the Gospels, Jesus mentions those who have “ears to hear” at the conclusion of a challenging statement or parable (e.g., Matthew 11:15; Mark 4:9, 23). Who are “those who have ears to hear”? Even more, who are “those who have ears”? Ears are a common feature among all humans—lacking ears would be an unnatural circumstance. Therefore, when Jesus addresses those with ears, He is referring to all who have received His words—regardless of their age, ethnicity, language, or status.

However, there is a distinction between having ears and having “ears to hear.” In Jesus’ parable of the sower and the seed, he contrasts different types of listeners: those who let the Word of God pass through their ears without impact and those who genuinely listen and seek comprehension (Mark 4:13-20). Some hear the Word but fail to let it take root due to the allure of worldly pleasures and comforts. Others reject the Word because of persecution or trials. Yet, some hear the Word and open themselves to understanding and accepting it, allowing it to bring about transformation. Those with “ears to hear” enable the Word to produce fruit for the glory of God. It is the listener’s choice whether to take the Word seriously and pursue comprehension; only a few are willing—the rest have ears but lack “ears to hear” (Matthew 7:13-14, 24-27).

Whenever Jesus states, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear,” he is urging people to listen attentively. It is another way of saying, “Pay attention! Listen carefully!” Using parables was one method through which Jesus aimed to capture the crowds’ attention—people enjoy stories, and the parables illustrated events and characters wi

With which they could readily relate. But unless they were willing to tune out other distractions and come to Jesus to understand the meaning of His preaching, His words would be only empty stories. They needed more than ears, however keen they were; they needed ears to hear.

When asked by His disciples why He was speaking to the crowds in parables, Jesus refers to Isaiah 6, which speaks of people who have eyes and ears, yet who have hardened their hearts and chosen to ignore the Word of the Lord (Matthew 13:10-15;cf: Isaiah 6:8-10). Part of the judgment on those who refuse to believe is that they will eventually lose their opportunity to believe: “Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them” (Matthew 13:12;cf: Romans 1:18-32).

A similar phrase is found in Revelation in each of the seven letters to the churches: “Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches” (Revelation 2:7,11, 17, 29;3:6,13, 22). And in Revelation 13:9, immediately following a description of the Antichrist, we read, “Whoever has ears, let them hear.” The readers of Revelation are called upon to pay close attention and seek God’s wisdom concerning what’s written.

Who is “he who has ears”? The simple answer: all people who have been or are being given the words of God. Like the parables’ original audience, we must also “Listen up! Pay close attention!” Jesus’ simple request is that we use our God-given faculties (eyes to see, ears to hear) to tune in to His words (John 10:27 -28;Mark 4:24;Revelation 3:20)

). “For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open” «For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad. », (Mark 4:22). Seeking God’s truth requires energy and focus; it demands a willingness to be challenged and transformed. Although the path of God’s truth may not be the most convenient or enjoyable, we can be confident that it is the most beneficial one (John 1:4;John 10:9;John 14:6). Therefore, He invites us, “Come” (Matthew 11:28 -30).

Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare. Give ear and come to me; listen, that you may live. I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promised to David. (Isaiah 55:1-3)