When did we last listen intently?

One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennasaret, with the people crowding around him and listening to the word of God, he saw at the water's edge two boats, left there by the fishermen who were washing their nets.

Luke 5:1

The part that captured my attention straight away was the phrase "the people crowding around him and listening to the word of God".

It suggests eagerness.

The people who were listening to Jesus couldn't get enough of his teaching.

They wanted more.

They wanted to know what was going on.

They wanted to know all about it.

Today, if there are crowds of people around an individual, listening avidly to what he/she is saying, my first thought would be that he/she is:

• a popular political leader
  
• a popular religious leader
• a celebrity

There are two layers to think about here.

On the macro level, the things that captivate us: are they of the world or of God?

For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.

1 John 2:16

On the micro level, when we discuss the things of God, do we give a fair go to all who come bearing the good news?

Or do we reserve our deepest adulation and financial offerings for those who present well, speak the words we want to hear (e.g. similar doctrinal beliefs, same religious denomination), and look like how we aspire to look (e.g. fit, healthy, prosperous, attractive)...and give the rest one-ear-in, one-ear-out attention?

If Jesus came to earth today, would I be one of the crowd pressing in eagerly to hear what the Son of God has to say?

Or would I be someplace else busy with my own interests?