Shine Bright: Unveiling the Light Within – Mark 4 v 21-25

Verse 21-22: “He said to them, ‘Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed? Instead, don’t you put it on its stand? For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open.'”

Jesus asks a simple question—do you light a lamp and then hide it under a bowl or bed? Of course not! You put it on display for all to see. Jesus is all about bringing things out into the open, especially the light.

Verse 23: “If anyone has ears to hear, let them hear.”

And just like that, Jesus invites us to engage our ears. He is saying, “Listen, important things are being said.”

Verse 24: “Consider carefully what you hear,” he continued. “With the measure you use, it will be measured to you—and even more.”

Now, Jesus adds a depth of meaning. It’s not just about hearing; it’s about considering and understanding. The measure you use, the attention and thought you put into what you hear, that’s what you’ll receive in return. And not just equal measure, but even more.

Verse 25: “Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.”

Jesus then finishes with, if you’re already open to the light, you’ll receive even more. But if you’re not, if you’re hiding the light within, even what you have will slip away.

Jesus is challenging us to live like lamp stands, not hiding our light. It’s an invitation to shine bright for everyone to see. It’s not just about hearing words; it’s about really listening and considering the truths. The depth of our understanding matters. The measure of attention we give to the light influences what we receive in return. It’s a principle of abundance tied to our engagement. And there is reward – more understanding, more wisdom, more insight.