On the Road with Jesus – part 12
“How to Listen for God’s Voice”
Luke 8:1-15
Soon afterward Jesus began a tour of the nearby towns and villages, preaching and announcing the
Good News about the Kingdom of God. He took his twelve disciples with him, along with some women
who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases. Among them were Mary Magdalene, from whom he had
cast out seven demons; Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s business manager; Susanna; and many
others who were contributing from their own resources to support Jesus and his disciples.
One day Jesus told a story in the form of a parable to a large crowd that had gathered from many towns
to hear him: “A farmer went out to plant his seed. As he scattered it across his field, some seed fell on a
footpath, where it was stepped on, and the birds ate it. Other seed fell among rocks. It began to grow,
but the plant soon wilted and died for lack of moisture. Other seed fell among thorns that grew up with
it and choked out the tender plants. Still other seed fell on fertile soil. This seed grew and produced a
crop that was a hundred times as much as had been planted!” When he had said this, he called
out, “Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.”
His disciples asked him what this parable meant. 10 He replied, “You are permitted to understand the
secrets of the Kingdom of God. But I use parables to teach the others so that the Scriptures might be
fulfilled: ‘When they look, they won’t really see. When they hear, they won’t understand.’
“This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is God’s word. The seeds that fell on the footpath
represent those who hear the message, only to have the devil come and take it away from their hearts
and prevent them from believing and being saved. The seeds on the rocky soil represent those who hear
the message and receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they believe for a while, then
they fall away when they face temptation. The seeds that fell among the thorns represent those who
hear the message, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the cares and riches and pleasures
of this life. And so they never grow into maturity. And the seeds that fell on the good soil represent
honest, good-hearted people who hear God’s word, cling to it, and patiently produce a huge harvest.
HOW TO LISTEN FOR GOD’S VOICE
1. Cultivate an open mind.
The seeds that fell on the footpath represent those who hear the message, only to have the devil come
and take it away from their hearts and prevent them from believing and being saved. Luke 8:12
3 reasons for a closed mind toward Jesus
pride
fear
bitterness
Get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the message God has planted in your
hearts, for it is strong enough to save your soul. James 1:21
2. Allow time to listen.
The seeds on the rocky soil represent those who hear the message and receive it with joy. But since they
don’t have deep roots, they believe for a while, then they fall away when they face temptation. Luke
8:13
And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage and warn each other,
especially now that the day of his coming back again is drawing near. Hebrews 10:25
3. Eliminate distractions.
The seeds that fell among the thorns represent those who hear the message, but all too quickly the
message is crowded out by the cares and riches and pleasures of this life. And so they never grow into
maturity. Luke 8:14
3 types of thorns
Worries
Wealth
Pleasures
4. Cooperate with what Jesus says.
And the seeds that fell on the good soil represent honest, good-hearted people who hear God’s word,
cling to it, and patiently produce a huge harvest. Luke 8:15
But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.
James 1:22
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO HEAR GOD’S VOICE?
It proves I’m in God’s family.
Jesus: “My sheep recognize My voice and follow Me.” John 10:27 (TLB)
It protects me from mistakes.
Listen for God's voice in everything you do, and everywhere you go; He's the one who will keep you on
track. Proverbs 3:6 (Message)
It produces personal success.
I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. Psalm 32:8