Matthew 13:13-15 New International Version (NIV)
13 This is why I speak to them in parables: “Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand. 14 In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah:
“‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. 15 For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.’
Tuesday - June 16 - Read Matthew 13:13-15 Right now it seems that everyone has strong feelings about how we as individuals, a country, and a church should respond to Covid-19. Those strong feelings can make it hard for us to listen to others and fully understand what is happening. In Jesus’s day, people had very strong feelings about who the Messiah would be and what he would do. They expected a political ruler, like King David, would enter into Jerusalem and drive out the oppressive Roman regime! They did not want to hear what Jesus had to say about forgiveness, compassion, and mercy. They didn’t like things he said like “love your enemies” and “turn the other cheek.” They also didn’t want to hear about how sinful and messed up they were! No one likes to hear that! Do you? But when we unplug our ears and listen to Jesus we will receive the greatest gift of all: forgiveness.