Bible Study series: Mark 4:21-25. Several hard-hitting truths delivered with such few verses.

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Mark 4

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Let’s begin.

Scripture: Mark 4:21-25

²¹ He said to them, “A lamp does not arrive so that it is placed under a container or under a bed, is it? No, but to be placed on a lampstand. ²² For there is nothing secret but that it will be revealed, nor is it hidden but instead it is brought in to be open. ²³ If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.

²⁴ Be alert to what you hear. By the measure you measure, it will be measured to you and added even more to you. ²⁵ For whoever has, it will be given to him, and whoever does not have even what he has will be taken from him.” (Mark 4:21-25)

Comments

This is a parable or illustration, and as usual we are supposed to see ourselves in it.

What Is a Parable?

21:

This style of illustration is designed to startle the reader with the obvious truths—no one does those absurd things. We must use objects for their right purpose. In our case, redeemed humanity who has come to the light lets it shine out for those who have not seen the light. How? Just talking? That may be the last method to shine the light. In the day of social media, writing comments is a dime a dozen. Anyone can blurt. It is best to earn the right to be heard or read. You earn the right by being consistent in your deeds and (few) words. Do good to people. Then when they trust you, you can share your faith. They may even ask you why you are so friendly and caring. Then it’s your turn to speak.

“lamp”: it is probably an oil lamp that is stuck in a small ledge built into a wall or on a holder stuck to the wall—or anywhere, like a table, that it can shine the light

“container”: it could be translated as “basket” or “bowl” or “box.” It holds about eight liters (two gallons), holding dry material, like grain.

22:

Here is a deep truth. Beware that your good deeds and your bad deeds will be made manifest. There are two sides of life—your public self and your private self. (Some add a third side, a secret self). If they do not match up, your private self will eventually be made known. If your private self is unfriendly and unkind, then that will be advertised for the public. They won’t like what they see. Then whatever good and honored reputation you thought you had will be taken from you. Appearances can be deceiving to you. You thought one way (all good), but then reality clobbered you over the head. People saw the real you. On the positive side, if your private self and public self match up, and both are virtuous, then your private self will be made manifest, and what every you have—you will be given more. You have developed a good and virtuous private life, and you shall receive more of it.

Everyone Shall Be Judged by Their Works and Words

23:

The last clause is a warning. We are called to look into ourselves and give ourselves a checkup, by God’s grace. If you find that you are always hard on yourself or condemning yourself, then that is not healthy. But if you find yourself always the right one, then you have lost your perspective. You are not always right and not always wrong. Seek hard after truth.

These verses are about provision, but not in a material sense. This is not about accumulating money. God will give you more, when you measure things properly. When you shine your light, he will give you more light. When you are generous, he will give you more generosity. And so on. The less you have of the light or a good work, like generosity, even what you think you have will dim or diminish. So be careful! Pay attention! Ask God for more light.

Here’s an applicable passage from Matthew:

¹⁴ You are the light of the world. A town sitting above on a mountain cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Neither do they light a lamp and place it under a container, but on a lampstand, and it shines on everyone in the house. ¹⁶ In this way, let your light shine before people, so that they see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven. (Matt. 5:14-16)

24-25:

“Be alert to what you hear”: It is the standard verb for seeing. But then it says “what you hear.” Jesus wanted the seeing and hearing combination. Or it is an idiom for “pay attention!” You can decide which is best. I like the idea of being watchful of what you listen to. Too many ratty songs and words chip away at the soul. Keep a guard over your ears and eyes.

These verbs are written in the passive voice (“it will be revealed”; “it will be measured to you”; “it will be given to him”). Scholars say that this is the divine passive; that is, it is an understated way of saying that God is behind the scenes doing those things.

Strauss’s comments on v. 25:

Here in Mark (cf. Matt. 13:12), the proverb refers to the reception of divine revelation. Those who hear and respond to the message of the kingdom of God shall receive even greater revelation, while those who reject what they have heard will be blinded even further. The sayings thus parallel Jesus’ explanation for why he teaches in parables in 4:11-12. To those responsive to Jesus’ kingdom teaching, the parables provide even greater spiritual insight. But for the hard-hearted “outsiders” who reject the message, they will look and look but not perceive, and hear and hear but not understand” (4:12). Their spiritual blindness will only increase.

GrowApp for Mark 4:21-25

1. God is your light source. You let his light shine through you as you do good works and behave yourself–act righteously. How are you doing in this area of your life in the kingdom?

2. Any improvements needed?

RELATED

10. Eyewitness Testimony in Mark’s Gospel

2. Church Fathers and Mark’s Gospel

2. Archaeology and the Synoptic Gospels

14. Similarities among John’s Gospel and the Synoptic Gospels

1. The Historical Reliability of the Gospels: Introduction to Series

SOURCES

For bibliographical data, please click on this link and scroll down to the very bottom:

Mark 4