Mark 4:21–25
Faithful hearing leads to greater revelation, while neglect leads to loss.
21 He said to them, “Is the lamp brought to be put under a basket or under a bed? Isn’t it put on a stand?
22 For there is nothing hidden, except that it should be made known; neither was anything made secret, but that it should come to light.
23 If any man has ears to hear, let him hear.”
24 He said to them, “Take heed what you hear. With whatever measure you measure, it will be measured to you, and more will be given to you who hear.
25 For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he who doesn’t have, even that which he has will be taken away from him.”
Faithful hearing leads to greater revelation, while neglect leads to loss.
To teach that kingdom revelation is meant to be manifested and that faithful hearing determines spiritual increase.
This teaching follows the explanation of the soils. It continues the theme of hearing (ἀκούειν, akouein) and reception of revelation.
Oil lamps in first-century homes provided necessary light. A μόδιος (modios) was a measuring basket. Concealing a lamp would defeat its purpose.
The Mystery of the Kingdom: Hearing, Fruitfulness, and the Lord over the Storm
The kingdom of God comes through the word of Jesus, demanding careful hearing, patient trust in hidden growth, fruitful endurance, and faith in the Lord whose authority rules even wind and waves.