Yesterday I had the privilege to preach one of those “hard texts” in the Bible! In Mark 4:10-12, Jesus explains to his disciples that one of the reasons he teaches in parables is “so that they may indeed see but not perceive, and may indeed hear but not understand, lest they should turn and be forgiven.” (Jesus is quoting from Isaiah 6 here!)

The discomfort arises around the little word “lest.” “Lest” changes everything, doesn’t it? Does Jesus really say “lest?” Yes, Jesus really says “lest!” That is exactly what the Greek says and is an accurate representation of Isaiah 6:9-10. So not only do we have this in the New Testament, but in the Old Testament as well. It is clear, then, that this is God’s truth concerning one aspect or perspective of salvation. What are we to glean from this truth?

First, it becomes clear that “ears to hear” are a gift from God! Everyone has ears, but only the followers of Christ have ears to hear. In other words, disciples get it! They believe Christ and embrace Christ and follow Christ because they hear Christ! They have these things because “to you has been given the secret of the kingdom of God” (v11). Did you see that Christ tells his disciples the secret has been “given” to them? “Ears to hear” are a gift of grace!

Second, is this fair for God to give some people ears to hear and not everyone ears to hear? If you think deeply about this question you realize that our notion of fairness and justice and rights is based upon the presumption that we “deserve” these things. What exactly do we deserve from God when we are born sinners, live in the lust of our flesh, and serve ourself instead of Christ? Fairness and justice would be for God to leave us all in our sin because that is what we deserve! Grace is when God does not leave you in your sin! His action of gracing you with ears to hear can never be deserved or it would not be grace! We deserve Hell! By grace, we have been given ears to hear!

Third, how does this mesh with John 3:16? The truth that God so loves the world... and that God has given his followers “ears to hear” are not contradictory or at odds. They are two separate aspects of the multi-faceted biblical picture of salvation. John 3:16 represents God’s call and demonstration to the world that salvation is available in Christ. However, as dead sinners, we are not going to respond to that call. Therefore, God, in grace, gives us “ears to hear!” This is how these two truths work together.

Fourth, what are we to do with this? There are two possible responses based on what type of ears you have. If you have “ears to hear” then bless the name of the Lord for being so gracious to you! If you just do not get it. If you just do not believe. If you just can’t understand what the big fuss is about Christ, then beg God to give you ears to hear!