PAY ATTENTION!

Luke 8: 16-25

Wednesday, 13 August 2025

“Therefore consider carefully how you listen…..” -Luke 8:18

Luke chapter 8 begins with Jesus’ Parable of the Sower where His emphasis was, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.” (V.8). Jesus was sowing the “seed” –God’s Word into people and its reception was varied according to the condition of the heart. Only those who listened, received and retained it and persevered to practice it, produce a good fruit (V.15). Jesus then continues the topic of listening as He wants His disciples to understand it better.

Jesus revealed the truths of the Kingdom of God to His disciples, unlike to the common crowd. The truths/revelations given to them were for a purpose— hence the need to carefully listen! Two of the purposes of careful listening are clear from Vs.16-21:

• Listening to reveal: Jesus spoke of the necessity of keeping a lamp on a lampstand and not hiding it, for all to see its light. The disciples were given the light of the knowledge of God’s Kingdom and they were not to hide it but allow it to shine that all may “see the light.” Careful listening, studying and retaining it meant, it was to be shared! Those who did so would receive more! The same portion in Mark 4 speaks of “With the measure you use, it will be measured to you—and even more.” (Mark 4:24)—the measure of careful study of God’s Word would mean more revelation would be added to the one who does so. 2 Cor.4:6 says: For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. This is given to us who are “earthen vessels” that we may display it for His glory!

• Listening to practice: Jesus’ mother and brothers coming to the scene gave him an opportunity to bring forth the next point—the need to practice what one listens and retains. Jesus relates his family to those who hear God’s word and practices it. In saying so, he wasn’t negating his earthly relationship but giving far greater importance to a relationship with those who listen to Him and willingly practice what He teaches. In John 8:31 [NLV] Jesus said: “If you keep and obey My Word, then you are My followers for sure.” Many would like to listen to God’s Word but are far from willing to apply it in their lives; it’s evident they do not keep a deep relationship with Christ.

The disciples were put to test in the next scene when they encountered a big storm while on a boat and Jesus was asleep. Their being with Jesus and witnessing him do signs and miracles should have built up their faith to have trusted Him for their safety. But in their distress and doubting, they woke him up and He rebuked the wind and the waves! Then Jesus asked them: “Where is your faith?” (V.25). Where was the revelation of Christ they had received? Why couldn’t they put to practice the faith they had developed in Him? They failed to recognize Jesus’ divine power over everything—even the elements of nature. They had “listened” to Him and been with Him, but in practice they fell short.

How about us today? Which category of “followers” do we fit in?—the easy-going who like to listen but makes no commitment? Or those good listeners but not willing to obey as it calls for letting go of ourselves for a deeper relationship with Him? It is only in a deeper commitment to Him can we call ourselves His disciples. Jesus said: “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” (Matt.7:24). Today Jesus challenges us to consider carefully how we listen!

Think on: Can we pay attention to Christ’s words with a desire to keep it and produce the fruit of right living in our lives?

Listen: 'Your Words of Life'