Listen First: How Jesus Heard What Truly Mattered

So you remember the WWJD (What would Jesus Do?) bracelets that folks wore that were so popular, right? Well recently while I was playing on social media I’ve noticed that there is a new bracket out, a follow up to WWJD, that has the initials HWLF (He would love first). I like it! But it’s got me digging into and thinking about how He would love and live. These days, it’s easy to be valued for your opinion. Everyone wants to be an Instagram influencer or a popular Facebook friend. And while there’s nothing inherently wrong with that, we do need to take a step back and think. Are we trying to be so loud that we’re missing opportunities to listen?Jesus was one of the best listeners of all time. And listening is a way to show love to people because it shows that you value their contributions. Imagine having a conversation with someone who doesn’t let you talk. That’s not a real conversation, right? So let’s learn to listen well. In fact, there’s this story in Luke chapter 18 about a time when Jesus listened, but not to the loudest voice. Jesus was a great listener because He didn’t just hear what everyone heard. He heard what was truly important. Are we willing to listen to the quiet thing instead of the popular thing? Anyway, in the story, there was a blind man begging on the side of the road. He found out there was a crowd because Jesus was walking around. So, the man started calling out to Jesus. The crowd got irritated, and they told him to be quiet. But the man just yelled louder. Jesus didn’t listen to the crowd or popular opinion. Jesus listened to the one. So, Jesus walked over to the man and asked him what he’d like Jesus to do for him. Isn’t that a great question? Jesus probably knew what the man needed more than the man did. But Jesus never assumed what people needed. He didn’t swoop in and say, “I know what’s best for you, so here you go.” He took the time to listen. Jesus was quiet enough to hear the voice of someone in need of Him, and He was patient enough to listen to what the man wanted. The man asked for his sight, and Jesus healed him. What a powerful story about listening. Who are you in the story? Are you the crowd, too caught up in what’s “normal” or “popular” to notice someone in need? Or are you becoming like Jesus, quiet enough to listen for what matters most, not what’s loudest. Listen well. Because when you do, you’re showing love, and you’re living like Jesus. Have a great weekend!Grace,