FollowingJesus.me

“Then he (Jesus) added, ‘Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given – and you will receive even more. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given.’” – Mark 4:24

While performing miracles, Jesus has traveled from town to town teaching the people. He has been teaching the crowds with parables but explaining the parables’ meanings to his disciples in private. Here Jesus adds, “Pay close attention…the closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given…” Jesus is inviting the disciples into something. He has just said that every secret will be brought to light. He’s getting their attention and inviting them into something deep and personal.

At this moment, I picture Jesus changing his tone and volume. I imagine Jesus speaking now in a whisper, “Pay close attention…listen closely.”

Do you sense it? Can you feel the intimacy of this moment? There is a crowd, but Jesus says to his disciples…

I hear Jesus’ whispered invitation today, “Darrell, lean in. I have something I want to share with you. Listen closely and I will help you know me more.”

This invitation is not just for Jesus’ 12 disciples. Jesus makes the same invitation to you. Jesus invites you into a real, life-giving, intimate relationship with him. Sometimes Jesus will project his voice (yell) to the crowd, but sometimes he’ll whisper and he invites you and me to be close enough and to slow down long enough and to quiet our hearts and minds enough to hear his “still, small voice.” Can you hear his whisper today?

Prayer:

Jesus, thank you for your Word today. Thank you for letting us see you interact with the crowds, with your family, with the Pharisees, with individuals, and with your disciples. Jesus, I hear your gentle whisper this morning and I want to respond. I want to be close. I want to “pay close attention” to you. Help me today. Help me to give you time to speak. Help me to slow down and listen. Help me to stop, carve out time, and be with you. Your words are life to me. Help me not to neglect hearing you and obeying you today. I need you and those around me need you. As you feed me, help me to share your Life with those I encounter today.

Thank you, Jesus!