This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!

Main Point: Listening to Jesus, and letting the Spirit use His words to change us, is our most important responsibility.

If we want to hear from God we can and we will – God has already given us a
clear word about how: listen to Jesus.

Then a cloud appeared and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” —Mark 9:7

Sometimes we hear what Jesus is saying, but the message doesn’t penetrate

They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?” But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” He took a little child whom he placed among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.” —Mark 9:33-37

People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them. —Mark 10:13-16

Sometimes we hear what Jesus is saying, but, quite honestly, we don’t want to do what He’s telling us

Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth. —Mark 10:21-22

Sometimes we hear what Jesus is saying, but we don’t understand… yet

They were on their way up to Jerusalem, with Jesus leading the way, and the disciples were astonished, while those who followed were afraid. Again he took the Twelve aside and told them what was going to happen to him. “We are going up to Jerusalem,” he said, “and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the Gentiles, who will mock him and spit on him, flog him and kill him. Three days later he will rise.” —Mark 10:32-34

If we want to hear what Jesus has to say to us, we will; then our response is to follow

Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.” Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus. —Mark 10:49-50

Takeaway: “Therefore consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more.” —Luke 8:18

Discussion Questions
1. At this point in your life are you more like the disciples (listening to Jesus, but needing regular reminders), or “Ryman” (searching for peace, but not ready to find it by following Jesus), or “Bart” (ready to respond to Jesus’ invitation or already)?
2. Is there something God has been communicating to you that you hear, but are
reluctant to act on? What do you think you need to do about that now?
3. Is there an area of your life where you just don’t know, yet, what God might be doing, and you sense that you need to wait for that understanding to come?
4. “Ryman” was letting his success and wealth get in the way of taking Jesus’ words to heart. Is there something getting in-between you and Jesus that is making it hard to hear Him?

Table Discussion Question: Jesus asked Bartimaeus, “What do you want me to do for you?” I love that question! And I find it helpful to think about Jesus asking me that, and what my answer would be. What might be your answer to that question from Jesus?