Matthew 13:9
“He who has ears, let him hear.”
Tonight we’re looking at a simple sentence from Jesus that carries a serious weight. On the surface, it sounds obvious—everyone listening had ears. But Jesus isn’t talking about physical hearing. He’s pointing to something deeper: the condition of the heart.
Throughout the Gospels, people hear the same words from Jesus, see the same truths, and yet walk away very differently. Some are changed. Others are not. The difference isn’t in the clarity of His message—it’s in their willingness to receive it.
In this study, we’re going to compare two encounters:
Tonight isn’t just about analyzing these stories—it’s about examining ourselves.
Do we have ears that truly hear?
THE RICH YOUNG MAN
Mark 10:17–22
The Rich Young Man.
17. And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
18. And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone.
19. You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.'”
20. And he said to him, “Teacher, all these I have kept from my youth.”
21. And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”
22. Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
Verse 17
“And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, ‘Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?’”
Explanation:
The man’s actions—running and kneeling—show urgency, respect, and sincerity. In the cultural context, a wealthy man of status would not typically run or kneel publicly, suggesting deep spiritual concern. However, his question reveals a misunderstanding: he views eternal life as something to earn through action rather than receive by grace.
Verse 18
“And Jesus said to him, ‘Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone.’”
Explanation:
Jesus is not denying His goodness but challenging the man’s understanding. In Jewish thought, only God is truly “good.” Jesus is prompting the man to consider the implications of calling Him “good”—is he recognizing Jesus as God, or just using flattery?
Question:
- Do we fully understand who Jesus is when we speak about Him, or do we sometimes use familiar language without deep conviction?
Verse 19
“You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’”
Explanation:
Jesus lists commandments focused on human relationships (the second half of the Ten Commandments). This reflects a common Jewish teaching method. “Do not defraud” emphasizes integrity in business—a direct challenge for someone wealthy.
Question:
- Why do you think Jesus focused on these particular commandments instead of others?
Verse 20
“And he said to him, ‘Teacher, all these I have kept from my youth.’”
Explanation:
The man sincerely believes he has obeyed the law. From an outward perspective, he likely lived a morally upright life. However, this reveals a common issue: external obedience without internal surrender. Jewish boys were taught the Law from a young age, so his claim reflects lifelong discipline.
Question:
- Is it possible to live a morally good life and still miss what God truly desires? How?
Verse 21
“And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, ‘You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.’”
Explanation:
This is a pivotal moment. Jesus’ command is rooted in love, not condemnation. He identifies the man’s true obstacle: his wealth. In that culture, riches were often seen as a sign of God’s favor, making this command shocking. Jesus is not giving a universal command to all believers but exposing this man’s idol.
The call to “follow me” is the ultimate invitation—relationship over religion.
Related Scriptures:
- Matthew 6:21 — “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
- Luke 14:33 — The cost of discipleship
Question:
- What might Jesus say is the “one thing you lack” if He addressed you personally?
Verse 22
“Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.”
Explanation:
The man’s sorrow reveals the depth of his attachment. He wanted eternal life, but not at the cost of surrendering control. Wealth itself wasn’t the issue—his dependence on it was. In first-century Judaism, this moment would challenge the belief that riches equaled righteousness.
This is one of the most tragic responses in Scripture: he walks away from Jesus.
Related Scriptures:
- 1 Timothy 6:9–10 — The danger of loving money
- Matthew 16:26 — Gaining the world but losing the soul
Question:
- What are the “possessions” (not just material) that can keep men today from fully following Christ?
———————————-
Paying Taxes to Caesar
Matthew 22:15-22 – ESV
15. Then the Pharisees went and plotted how to entangle him in his words.
16. And they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are true and teach the way of God truthfully, and you do not care about anyone’s opinion, for you are not swayed by appearances.
17. Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?”
18. But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why put me to the test, you hypocrites?
19. Show me the coin for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius.
20. And Jesus said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?”
21. They said, “Caesar’s.” Then he said to them, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”
22. When they heard it, they marveled. And they left him and went away.
Verse 15
“Then the Pharisees went and plotted how to entangle him in his words.”
Explanation:
The Pharisees are not seeking truth—they are seeking to trap Jesus. This takes place during His final week in Jerusalem, a time of heightened tension. Religious leaders feel threatened by His authority and influence, so they shift from questioning to scheming.
Verse 16
“And they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, ‘Teacher, we know that you are true and teach the way of God truthfully…’”
Explanation:
This is calculated flattery. The Pharisees and Herodians were normally opposed—the Pharisees resented Roman rule, while the Herodians supported it. Their alliance shows how opposition to Jesus can unite unlikely groups. Their words sound respectful but are insincere.
Verse 17
“Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?”
Explanation:
This is a political and religious trap. If Jesus says “yes,” He risks alienating Jews who resent Roman taxation. If He says “no,” He could be accused of rebellion against Rome. The tax refers to a poll tax symbolizing submission to Roman authority.
Verse 18
“But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, ‘Why put me to the test, you hypocrites?’”
Explanation:
Jesus sees through their motives immediately. The word “hypocrites” refers to actors—those who wear a mask. He exposes not just their question, but their hearts. This echoes earlier instances where leaders tested God rather than trusted Him.
Related Scriptures:
- 1 Samuel 16:7 — God looks at the heart
- Hebrews 4:13 — Nothing is hidden from God
Verse 19
“Show me the coin for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius.”
Explanation:
The denarius was a Roman coin bearing Caesar’s image and inscription, often viewed as offensive by devout Jews because it implied emperor worship. Ironically, Jesus does not have the coin—they do—revealing their own participation in the system they question.
Verse 20
“And Jesus said to them, ‘Whose likeness and inscription is this?’”
Explanation:
Jesus shifts the focus from politics to principle. The word “likeness” echoes Genesis 1:27—humanity made in God’s image. This question prepares for a deeper truth beyond taxes.
Related Scriptures:
- Genesis 1:27 — Made in God’s image
Verse 21
“They said, ‘Caesar’s.’ Then he said to them, ‘Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’”
Explanation:
Jesus delivers a profound and balanced truth. Earthly authorities have legitimate claims (like taxes), but God has ultimate authority over our lives. The coin bears Caesar’s image—so give it back. But we bear God’s image—so we belong fully to Him.
This is not division—it’s prioritization: fulfill civic duty, but give ultimate allegiance to God.
Related Scriptures:
- Romans 13:1–7 — Submission to governing authorities
- Acts 5:29 — Obey God rather than men
Verse 22
“When they heard it, they marveled. And they left him and went away.”
Explanation:
Jesus avoids the trap completely while revealing a deeper truth they cannot refute. Their amazement does not lead to repentance—only retreat. Like many encounters, people are impressed by Jesus but unwilling to change.
Question:
- Is it possible to admire Jesus’ wisdom without truly submitting to His authority? How?
Key Spiritual Truths Revealed
- Not all questions are asked with honest motives
- Jesus sees beyond words to the heart
- God’s truth cannot be trapped or manipulated
- We have responsibilities to earthly authorities—but ultimate allegiance to God
- We bear God’s image, so our lives belong to Him
- Hypocrisy is exposed when actions and motives don’t align
- It is possible to be amazed by Jesus and still walk away unchanged
- Faithfulness involves both integrity in society and devotion to God
Summary (Rich Man) in Light of Matthew 13:9
“He who has ears, let him hear.”
Jesus often used this phrase to signal that His words carry deeper spiritual meaning—not everyone will truly understand or respond. The encounter with the rich young man is one of those moments.
Key Insights (With Matthew 13:9 in View)
- Jesus is speaking on two levels: outward and inward
On the surface, He talks about commandments and money—but underneath, He is addressing the man’s heart, identity, and ultimate allegiance. - Not everyone who hears Jesus actually “hears” Him
The man listens, but he doesn’t truly receive the message. His reaction shows he understands the cost—but rejects it. - Spiritual truth requires a responsive heart
The issue is not clarity, but willingness. The man had “ears,” but his heart was not ready to surrender. - The real issue is revealed only to those willing to see it
Others might walk away thinking the lesson is just about wealth. But those with spiritual discernment see it’s about idolatry and lordship. - Jesus exposes what we may not recognize in ourselves
The man likely didn’t see his wealth as a problem—until Jesus revealed it. - Hearing Jesus rightly leads to action, not just emotion
The man felt sorrow, but didn’t act. True “hearing” would have led him to follow. - The call to follow Jesus separates superficial interest from true discipleship
Many can admire Jesus, but fewer will surrender everything to Him.
Summary (Tax Collectors) in Light of Matthew 13:9
“He who has ears, let him hear.”
Jesus’ response about taxes is more than a clever answer—it is a test of spiritual hearing. Like many of His teachings, the truth is clear on the surface, but only those with receptive hearts will grasp its deeper meaning.
Key Insights (With Matthew 13:9 in View)
- Jesus answers the question—but reveals a deeper issue
The leaders ask about taxes, but Jesus exposes a greater truth about ownership, identity, and allegiance. - Not everyone who hears understands
The Pharisees and Herodians are amazed, but they do not repent. They hear His wisdom, but they do not receive it. - Spiritual hearing requires humility
Their pride and agenda prevent them from grasping the full meaning of Jesus’ words. - The real message is about belonging, not just obligation
The coin belongs to Caesar—but we bear God’s image. Those with “ears to hear” recognize that their entire life belongs to God. - Jesus separates surface issues from ultimate truth
The visible issue is political; the deeper issue is spiritual: Who truly has your heart? - Hearing rightly leads to surrender
True understanding would lead them to submit to God—not just walk away impressed. - A hardened heart can admire truth but resist it
They marvel at Jesus’ answer, yet remain unchanged—showing that amazement is not the same as obedience.
Summary: In Light of Matthew 13:9
“He who has ears, let him hear.”
When you place the rich young man (Mark 10:17–22) alongside the Pharisees (Matthew 22:15–22), a clear and sobering pattern emerges. Both encounters reveal what it means to hear Jesus without truly hearing Him.
Key Similarities
- Both groups come to Jesus with an agenda
- The rich man seeks to gain eternal life on his terms.
- The leaders seek to trap Jesus for their purposes.
- Neither comes with full surrender.
- Both receive a direct, truthful answer from Jesus
- The rich man is told exactly what is lacking.
- The leaders are given a perfect and wise answer.
- In both cases, the truth is clear and unmistakable.
- Both have their deeper heart issue exposed
- The rich man’s idol is wealth.
- The leaders’ idol is power, control, and pride.
- Jesus addresses the real issue beneath the surface question.
- Both “hear” but do not truly receive
- The rich man becomes sorrowful.
- The leaders marvel.
- But neither responds with repentance or obedience.
- Both walk away unchanged
- One walks away grieving.
- The others walk away impressed.
- Different emotions—but the same outcome.
- Both illustrate that emotional response ≠ spiritual transformation
- Feeling convicted (sadness) or impressed (amazement) is not the same as surrender.
- Both reveal that the barrier is not understanding—but willingness
- Jesus’ words were not confusing.
- The issue was the cost of responding.
- Both demonstrate the meaning of Matthew 13:9
- They had physical ears and intellectual understanding.
- But they lacked spiritual receptivity.
- They did not truly hear.
Core Insight
- The rich man and the religious leaders represent two common responses:
- The sincere but unwilling seeker
- The hardened and resistant skeptic
- Yet both miss the same thing:
a heart that is ready to surrender when truth is revealed.
Simple Takeaway
- You can walk away from Jesus sad or impressed…
- But unless you walk away changed, you have not truly heard Him.