Listening to the Heart of Jesus Through the Parables

Recently, my husband was asked to teach in the student ministry service at our church. The illustration and message he shared were powerful — not only for the students, but for anyone who longs to follow Christ more closely.

He began by inviting one of the youth leaders onto the stage. Then he told the students, “I want you to make as much noise as you can. Yell directions to the leader, shout, whistle, scream — anything to make a lot of noise.” The students eagerly followed his instructions, filling the room with a joyful blast of clamor and chatter. Meanwhile, he gave directions to the leader on the stage, but from a distance. His voice blended in with the others, her ears rang, and she couldn’t hear him above all the commotion.

Then he repeated the exercise — this time standing right next to her. The students again filled the room with shouts and whistles, but now my husband leaned in close and spoke quietly into her ear. Though the noise around her was the same, she could hear him perfectly and follow his every instruction.

The point was simple and profound: abiding in Christ and walking closely with Him allows us to discern His voice above all other voices and distractions.

In our world today, we are constantly bombarded by noise — television, podcasts, social media, emails, conversations, and headlines. So many voices tell us who to be, what to do, and what to believe. Amid all this, it can be difficult to recognize the voice of Jesus — to quiet ourselves long enough to truly listen to Him.

One of the practices that has helped me in this season is praying the parables of Jesus. I’ve been using a 40-day devotional by Steve Macchia and Suz Skinner entitled Praying the Parables of Jesus, and it has offered me a rich and prayerful way to linger with the teachings of Jesus.

Rather than studying the parables for understanding alone, this devotional invites me to enter them through prayer — to listen with my heart and ask, “Lord, what are You saying to me today, in this moment with You?” As I pray with these Scriptures, I find myself moving from reading to genuine conversation with the Lord. Each parable becomes a doorway into creative and contemplative prayer — a sacred space where God’s voice grows more distinct amid the noise.

The daily rhythm of engaging with thoughtful questions through lectio divina allows space for unhurried reflection. The accompanying illustrations, paired with visio divina reflections, adds a greater depth to my prayer. They help me “see beyond the obvious,” engaging my imagination and allowing the Spirit to speak in fresh and surprising ways.

This is not a book to rush through, but one to dwell in. For anyone longing to pray with Scripture in a way that opens the heart to God’s transforming presence, Praying the Parables of Jesus is a beautiful companion on the journey.

Perhaps we all need to draw a little closer — to quiet the noise, lean in, and listen for the gentle, loving voice of Jesus.

Reflection:Where might God be inviting you to listen more closely to His voice this week? What noise might you need to quiet in order to hear Him more clearly?

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“Be still, and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10

May you find moments of stillness this week to lean close, quiet the noise, and rest in the loving voice of Jesus.