So much of our conversation centres around such trivial stuff—the weather, sports, etc. What Jesus had to say was always important, but nothing he proclaimed was more crucial than the message he shared with his followers in today’s text, where he speaks of his arrest, being mocked and spat on, flogged, crucified, and his resurrection. But the disciples did not comprehend one word he said.
I can sympathize with them. Between my abysmal hearing and my poor attention span I miss much of what is spoken to me. Perhaps I am not alone. It has been said that a very great deal of our conversation consists of one person waiting for the other party to quit talking so that person can tell their story.
Listening. A vital Christian ability. And I am not talking about listening and waiting to make our spiritual response. So often the most vital part of listening is just saying nothing. I pray that you might grow in your ability to listen carefully to what is being said without formulating your next response.
Gracious Lord God, teach us how to be good listeners and motivate us to hear without a wise response. Amen. —