Daily Walk Through the New Testament
April 18

Read Matthew 12:46-13:17

Jesus often made a distinction between eyes that see and eyes that do not see. He was not referring to physical blindness; He was concerned about people having spiritual eyes to recognize the Holy Spirit. “Eyes to see” and “ears to hear” are phrases that refer to listening to God and obeying Him.
Jesus said whoever does the will of the Father is related to Him (Matthew 12:50). When we listen to His teaching, He will give us more understanding and an abundance of knowledge (Matthew 13:12). In order to have eyes, we have to look, and in order to have ears, we have to listen. This teaching seems backward to our understanding. But remember, this is not an earthly principle. It is spiritual. We are not human beings with temporary human experiences. We are spiritual beings with temporary human experiences. The Bible is a spiritual Book. And Jesus taught that if we really want to understand more, we have to listen and obey what we understand, and then more understanding will be given. We shouldn’t expect God to give us new marching orders until we obey in the areas He’s already given us understanding.
What is the last thing God told you to do? Did you do it? Ask God to give you courage to obey Him today, and may the Father be able to say this to you: “Blessed are your eyes for they see, and your ears for they hear” (Matthew 13:16).