John Calvin Commentary Matthew 11:15

"He that hath ears to hear, let him hear." — Matthew 11:15 (ASV)

He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. We know that it is customary for Christ to introduce this sentence whenever he addresses subjects that are highly important and deserve extraordinary attention.¹⁸ He reminds us, at the same time, of the reason why the mysteries he speaks of are not received by all. It is because many of his hearers are deaf, or at least have their ears closed.

But now, as everyone is hindered not only by their own unbelief but also by the mutual influence they exercise on each other, Christ here exhorts the elect of God, whose ears have been pierced, to consider attentively this remarkable secret of God, and not to remain deaf with unbelievers.

¹⁸ “Et qui ne doit pas estre escoutee par acquit;” — “and which ought not to be listened to in an indifferent manner.”;” — “and which ought not to be listened to in an indifferent manner.”