Matthew 11:15

15 "Are you listening to me? Really listening?

Matthew 11:15 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 11:15

He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
] A way of speaking used by Christ, when anything serious, and of great importance, was delivered; and which required attention, and was not easily understood: and such were the several things he had mentioned in this context; as that John was more than a prophet, more excellent than all the prophets; that the law and prophets were now at an end, and that John was Elias; which things, if rightly understood, would serve greatly to settle their judgment, with respect to himself as the Messiah: but his words imply, that everyone had not spiritual ears and understandings, to hear and take in things of such an high nature, and excellent use; none but those to whom they were given; and such ought to attend to them, and, seriously weigh and consider the importance of them. The phrase is to be met with in Jewish writings, where it is thus expressed F8;

``"He that hears let him hear, and he that understandeth let him understand";''

See ( Matthew 13:43 ) .


FOOTNOTES:

F8 Zohar in Num. fol. 60. 3.

Matthew 11:15 In-Context

13 But if you read the books of the Prophets and God's Law closely, you will see them culminate in John, teaming up with him in preparing the way for the Messiah of the kingdom.
14 Looked at in this way, John is the 'Elijah' you've all been expecting to arrive and introduce the Messiah.
15 "Are you listening to me? Really listening?
16 "How can I account for this generation? The people have been like spoiled children whining to their parents,
17 'We wanted to skip rope, and you were always too tired; we wanted to talk, but you were always too busy.'
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.