Problems With The Heart, Ears, And Eyes

David Eldridge

In Matthew 13:15 Jesus says, “For this people’s heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.” Consider…

A Hardened Heart – Literally this means a fat heart – one that is calloused and insensitive. Some, calloused by their sin and immorality, are unable to feel the “sting” of the gospel (Acts 2:37; Acts 9:5). These, by their sin, have their consciences “Seared with a hot iron” (1 Timothy 4:2). Their consciences (hearts) were made insensitive both to the pain of doing wrong and the delight of truth and right. Many today suffer from this “heart disease” – they feel neither pain in sin nor pleasure in righteousness.

Ears that can barely hear – I have heard that some husbands stand accused of having ears that can barely hear. They act as if they can’t hear the “honey do” list thinking if they ignore it, the list will go away. Speaking from experience I can say, it does not! Many might not want to hear the Word because it is not the “way they think things ought to be,” it condemns them or someone they know, or a multitude of other reasons. They turn a deaf ear and think it all goes away. IT DOES NOT! David wrote, “Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven” (Psalm 119:89). You can plug your ears and refuse to listen to the truth, but it will remain forever and serve as your judge one great day (John 12:48).

Shut Eyes — Have you ever tried to show a child something they do not want to see only to have them close their eyes as if that makes it nonexistent? Similairly, many attempt to close their eyes to the truth. They say, “Everything, including man, is a result of mere chance.” But, one with open eyes sees, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament shows His handiwork” (Psalm 19:1). They, with their eyes closed say, “The Bible is a good collection of stories, but it is not a reliable guide.” But the one who sees, knows that “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). Shutting your eyes will not make the truth or judgment of God disappear.

What should one do? Everyone “Should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn” and be healed by the Lord!