Jesus understood the power of His words. We often do not. He also understood that many who heard Him could not understand Him. Listen to how He describes those who could neither hear nor understand Him.
Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; nor have I come of Myself, but He sent Me. Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word.” John 8:42-43
Truly hearing the words of another person and understanding their words requires much more than ears that work. It requires a relational and cultural connection to the one speaking. Communication requires a living history. Only relational and cultural connection allows words spoken to be heard correctly.
The first part of us that needs to be “born again” is our hearing. We need to learn like a newborn child learns to hear with understanding. To abide in the words of Jesus is like learning a new language—the language of God. Jesus is the language of God. It takes time but the rewards of being able to hear and understand in a new language is worth the effort. It is liberating.
Keep listening to Jesus and you will grow more and more aware of the liberating power of His words. Disciples of Jesus abide in His words and become more and more aware of what God is saying and doing. When they do they are see free to join in.
Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” João 8:31-32
Bud McCord
Abide International
