What The Bible Has To Say
The original word for closed in this verse can also be translated at “hardened, render callous, petrified”, its root is the word pōros which is the Greek word for a kind of marble or stone.
The imagery is found in the root. The people’s minds have become as immovable as a slab of stone; rock solid and never changing… but this imagery isn’t being applauded, is spoken of in negative terms.
Badges
No one should wear the “closed-minded” badge like it’s a badge of honour… because it’s not. Jesus never encouraged this way of thinking but always challenged people to keep an open mind and ask questions, like He did. So often, people asked Jesus questions, wanting pat-answers but He mostly responded with a question to get the person to think through things.
Today, I encourage you to ask God to show you where you’ve become closed to discussion, irritable, stubborn, and downright indignant. Then, let Holy Spirit soften your heart and transform you to hold an open mind.