29 Jan 26 | What You Do With the Light Determines What You Receive
Jesus teaches that revelation is never neutral. Light given but not lived is eventually lost, while light received and acted upon multiplies.
The Gospel: Mark 4:21-25
Jesus said to his disciples,
“Is a lamp brought in to be placed under a bushel basket
or under a bed,
and not to be placed on a lampstand?
For there is nothing hidden except to be made visible;
nothing is secret except to come to light.
Anyone who has ears to hear ought to hear.”
He also told them, “Take care what you hear.
The measure with which you measure will be measured out to you,
and still more will be given to you.
To the one who has, more will be given;
from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.”
Today’s Focus
Jesus teaches that God’s Word is light meant to be received and lived, not ignored or hidden. Parables reveal the heart by showing how people respond to what they hear. Those who welcome the Word with obedience and humility grow in understanding, while those who neglect it gradually lose even what they have. Faith is not passive; it must be cultivated. Each day we choose whether to let God’s light shape our lives or allow other influences to take its place.
In the Margins
This teaching is directly following the parable that was harder to understand. Jesus is now explaining why parables reveal and conceal at the same time. Light is a primary metaphor for God’s presence and instruction throughout the Old Testament. Psalm 119 describes God’s word as a lamp for the feet and a light for the path. In Isaiah, Israel is called to be a light to the nations, entrusted with revelation meant to be shared, not hidden.
In first-century homes, lamps were small and precious. To light a lamp and then cover it would have been wasteful and illogical. Jesus uses a self-evident household image to make a theological point: God does not reveal truth for it to be concealed by fear, comfort, or indifference.
This teaching clarifies that parables are not meant to hide truth forever. That is where Jesus continues about things being hidden to be revealed and secret to come to light. This language echoes prophetic themes where God reveals truth at the appointed time. Daniel speaks of mysteries sealed until the proper moment. Amos declares that God reveals His plans through His prophets. Hiddenness in Scripture usually refers to timing, not deception.
The next section will break down what is meant in this warning from Jesus. The words do not mean simply what the translations show, but go a bit deeper.
“Take care what you hear.
This is more than “listen carefully.” Scripturally, “hear” implies obedience. Jesus is telling them to pay attention and follow what comes next.
The measure with which you measure will be measured out to you,
and still more will be given to you.
This principle reflects covenant justice found throughout the Law and Wisdom literature. God’s dealings with His people often mirror their response to Him. Mercy, faithfulness, and obedience invite abundance. Neglect invites loss.
To the one who has, more will be given;
from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.”
Jesus is not talking about the rich getting richer here. Well, in a sense he is, but not in money or possessions. Jesus means “the Word.” The one who receives the Word of God, will continue to receive it. The one who hardens their heart is likely to lose what they have already gathered.
Jesus teaches that revelation carries responsibility. The Kingdom is light, and light demands decision. To hear without obedience is to lose what has been given. To receive with humility and faithfulness is to enter deeper understanding.
This teaching explains why some grow in insight while others regress, even when exposed to the same Word. The difference is not access, but response.
This wisdom still holds true today. The Bible is filled in that way. There are so many teachings that have withstood the test of time and it connects to the parable of what is planted. If we are living a life of holiness, or at least trying our best to, there is room for the Spirit to work and grow our love and understanding. If we go to church or read the Bible every now and then, but then choose to surround ourselves with sin – guess where we are likely to be pulled.
We have the choice to choose God or choose us. Let’s make sure we are putting our priorities in the right place!
Reflection Question
How am I responding to the light God has already given me, and what responsibility comes with that knowledge?
A Small Invitation
If this reflection helped you, consider sharing it with someone who may be carrying more than they were meant to.