The first act of love is giving attention. Dallas Willard Luke 18:35-41 (NIV) As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. 36 When he heard the crowd going by, he asked what was happening. 37 They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” 38 He called out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 39 Those who led the way rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 40 Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him, 41 “What do you want me to do for you?” “Lord, I want to see,” he replied. Four listening tips: Stop before listening. To answer before listening-that is folly and shame. Proverbs 18:13 Stop . Listen with and empathetic ears and heart. The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out. Proverbs 20:5 Listen with one ear to the person and one ear to . Unheard + Unknown = Unloved Heard + Known = Loved Questions for Discipleship group and/or personal study: Opener: Do you have a personal example of a Mondegreen, a time you misheard a word or phrase from another? Go to the Source: Read Luke 18:35-41 In v. 39 what did the disciples not understand about the mission of Jesus (see also v. 18:15)? What do know about the intensity of the beggar? Why do you think Jesus asked him the question in v. 41? Live it out: If Jesus were to ask you the one question in v. 41, how would you respond? How can you listen this week with “both an ear towards heaven and an ear towards the other person” in your conversations with others?