In this section of Luke we encounter both one of Jesus’ most well known parables as well as one of the hardest words Jesus says to us in the gospels. It’s a challenging text to each of us, but it can also be profoundly encouraging. We are confronted with the fact that simply hearing — sound waves entering one’s ears — does not equal really hearing, and we discover various dangers every listeners faces, when it comes to really hearing Jesus. But we also encounter the promise of fruitfulness in the life of each person who truly hears, retains the word and perseveres in it.
