The Lamp                                           Mark 4:21-25

The parable we’re looking at today is sandwiched between the two previous ones we looked at. Both of those used a farmer and seeds to convey Biblical truth. Today’s parable uses a lamp and its light to do the same.

If we look back at the parable of the Sower and the four types of soil, we can start to pick apart this parable. That previous story told how God’s word will grow and flourish in the heart that is receptive and open. This parable is for those whose hearts are good soil.

Verse 21; “Do you bring in a lamp to put under a bowl or a bed?” As the word grows in your heart it becomes like a light. It becomes noticeable by others. Jesus’ point here is     those who have received the light of the gospel are not meant to hide it. God wants it to shine through us in everything we say or do so others will see it. When others see how we stay calm in the storms of life, when others see we have hope amidst loss, or when things just seem to constantly go wrong, they will want to know what we have.

Light is used as a representation of many things including truth, holiness, spiritual growth. Here in this parable, it represents Jesus himself  and his message. Jesus tells us here that he doesn’t want us to hide his message, or the things he has done in your life.

“Don’t you put it on a stand?” (Mark 4:21) You wouldn’t hide the lamp from others in the dark, why then do we hide Christ and what he’s done for us from others? This parable of the lamp tells believers we do have an obligation, it’s to live the gospel in our lives and show it to others. Be open when asked about your faith. Be kind when others are unkind. Demonstrate love and acceptance when others live hate and segregation. Live your faith,           don’t live in fear.

I know it’s not easy. We don’t want to be controversial. We don’t want people to avoid us because we share our faith. But remember last week, we learned that we don’t have to harp or browbeat, we just have to say our piece and move on. Sometimes it’s simple; “You’re a great ballplayer.” “Thank you, God gave me this talent.” Point in the direction of God. Show God in your life. Plant a seed. Shine a light. And let God do the work if the heart is good soil. Those who are open will see the truth of your life, those governed by the deceiver will not. This is why in verse 23 Jesus says, 00“If anyone has dears to hear, let them hear.”

Verse 22, “For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open.” So what was hidden? To start, God’s truth was hidden, now it is revealed.

I’ve said the Old Testament’s stories and accounts show us God’s plan. They show us Jesus and what he will do. But these truths are laid between the lines of the Old Testament text.             

In Genesis, the story of Joseph tells us facts of Jesus’ life. Joseph was hated by his brothers, given to his enemies, convicted of crimes he didn’t commit, and raised up to become the savior of Israel during a famine. Jesus was hated by many of his countrymen, handed over to the Roman authorities, convicted of crimes he did not commit, and raised up to be the savior of all mankind.

Sodam and Gomorrah show us God will save the righteous no matter how few. Noah shows us that at the end of the age, heaven and earth will be torn down and replaced and the righteous will be saved in the ark, the true ark, Jesus. The servant who has his ear pierced at the doorpost shows us Jesus will accomplish God’s plan by being nailed to a cross.

The Old Testament is filled with Jesus and God’s plan, but it is layered within its stories, it’s concealed. But now, Jesus has come and fulfilled his mission. The savior is revealed, and we are the light that must illuminate this reality. We must make known the truth of Jesus.

There is something else the light of God’s word illuminates, the sins of the world. “For whatever is hidden is meant to be brought into the open.”

Thou shall not steal. Thou shall not covet. Thou shall not commit adultery. These are God’s words. By defining what he considers sin, God’s words expose the sin in men’s hearts. Through his Word, God lets us know that even though we hide our sin, God exposes it.

As Christian’s we are supposed to self-examine our actions and motivations, working to line them up with God. We are supposed to make a concentrated effort to curb activities and considerations contrary to God’s word.

 As we live for God, share our Biblical counsel, bless others, do good work in Jesus’ name, we will naturally expose the sins of others. This does not mean we’re to point out another’s sin or broadcast another’s transgression. It means that as people see how we live in the light of God, they will begin to see where they do not.

As I said earlier, as Christians, we are to examine our actions, our motivations, and our prejudices. By doing this we see our failures and grow empathy for the failures of others. Knowing where we fall short, we can help others see where they fall short, without being accusatory. Those who point out another’s sin without realizing their own don’t really understand the message of Christ. The message of peace, love, forgiveness, and grace.

Verse 24, “Consider carefully what you hear…” This is a warning to us. Whatever you hear about God, Jesus, salvation; listen carefully and refer to the Bible. This includes from me.

Many people use scripture to justify their prejudices. The Bible tells us things God considers wrong. And there are those that focus solely on these and condemn those who engage in these behaviors. At the same time, they completely ignore that scripture repeatedly talks of love, redemption, inclusion, and second, third, fourth, fifth chances.

“With the measure you use, it will be measured to you…” If you judge and criticize others, if you are unforgiving, the number and height of God’s blessings will be doled out on you to the same standard. God will judge and criticize you. He will withhold blessings as you withhold forgiveness and love for your neighbors.

Today’s parable is a short one. It has many lessons intwined in it and we’ve looked at just a few that Jesus is teaching. These include how we’re to listen to what others tell us about Christ, about salvation, and think on it. Don’t just take everything at face value, look at scripture, ask others, seek the truth.

We see how we’re to look at our failures as a path to empathy. Don’t accuse others of sin, we all sin. Empathize, forgive, and lead. Be open with others about your faith. Share what God does in your life. Plant a seed. Be the lamp. And share the gospel’s light.

Charles Spurgeon, a minister from the late 1800’s wrote this, “The Bible is not the light of the world, it is the light of the church. The world does not read the Bible, the world reads Christians! You are the light of the world.”

Be the light of the world.

God bless you,

Amen.