Scripture#
John Chapters 7 - 9
Observation:#
Verses that stuck out#
John 8:47"He who is of God hears God’s words;
therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God."
John 9:27"I told you already, and you did not listen.
Why do you want to hear it again?.."
John 9:39–41"For judgment I have come into this world,
That those who do not see may see,
And that those who see may be made blind."
Breaking down John 8:47#
“He who is of God…”
- “Of God” means born of, belonging to, or aligned with God.
- It implies a relationship - the person’s heart, nature, and spirit are open to Him.
“…hears God’s words;”
- “Hears” in Scripture doesn’t just mean perceive sound - it means listens, understands, and responds.
- A person who truly belongs to God recognizes the truth in His word (both written Scripture and Jesus Himself, the “Word made flesh”).
“Therefore you do not hear…”
- Jesus is explaining why His audience can’t grasp or accept his message: The problem isn’t intellectual, it’s spiritual.
- They physically heard the sound of His voice, but their HEARTS were closed/hardened.
“…because you are not of God.”
- This is a sobering conclusion.
- Their inability to receive truth reveals their spiritual separation from God.
- It’s not that they were denied the chance to hear - it’s that they willfully closed their hears to Him.
Takeaway#
Spiritual understanding is not merely academic; it’s the result of a relationship with God. To “hear” God rightly, a person must first belong to Him - through repentance, faith, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Jesus is drawing a line between external religion and true spiritual life.
Application#
John 8:47#
- Ask: Do I truly hear God’s Word - not just read or listen, but respond in obedience and faith?
- This verse calls us to examine whether our hearts are aligned with Him.
- It also reassures believers: if you recognize the truth of Scripture and feel conviction through it, that’s evidence that you are “of God”. <—- BIG 🤯
Prayer#
Dear Heavenly Father,
Give me ears that truly hear You. Let my heart be soft to Your Word and quick to respond to Your Spirit.
Where I’ve been distracted or resistant, draw me back to quiet places where your voice can reach me again.
Teach me to recognize You in the pages of Scripture, in the stillness of prayer, and in the moments You guide my steps.
Make me “of You,” Lord - belonging fully to You - so that when You speak, I listen, believe, and obey.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen