The Parables of Jesus

The Parable of the Lamp

Mark 4:21-25 ^NLT

Mark 4:21

Then Jesus asked them, “Would anyone light a lamp and then put it under a basket or under a bed? Of course not! A lamp is placed on a stand, where its light will shine.”

            The gospel of Mark has two chapters that have 4 parables each. That is the extent of Jesus parabolic teaching in this book. 

            In this parable the lamp represents Jesus. The purpose of any lamp is to put in on a lampstand and not under a bowl or basket so that it can bring light to an entire household. Therefore, when you find Jesus and receive his life changing forgiveness thru redemption, you must understand what you have acquired and let this light of freedom and forgiveness shine forth from every part of you.

            Whatever perception you have attained shall be taken from you if you do not cultivate it by virtue of going deeper in Christ. It is imperative that we, as Christians, not remain hidden from sight, but instead, be a beacon of light as to the glory and majesty of the God whom we serve. 

            “A rabbinic tradition professes: Observe how the character of the Holy One, blessed be He, differs from that of flesh and blood. A mortal can put something into an empty vessel, but not into a full one. But the Holy One, blessed be He, is not so; He puts more into a full vessel, but not an empty one….” ⁽¹⁾ What is being said here is that those who go deeper in God will be given more perception as to the things of God. 

            Exodus 15:26 NLT - “He said, ‘If you will listen carefully to the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in his sight, obeying his commands and keeping all his decrees, then I will not make you suffer any of the diseases I sent on the Egyptians; for I am the Lord who heals you.’”

            Here God is telling his people, of whom we are now one, what is expected from them as they strive to live for him and his kingdom. This is an eternal truth that applies to all who know and love God and not solely reserved for the Jews back in Moses’ day. Do not hide your faith from those around you. Let them know that you have every reason to have hope in the future and joy in the present by telling whoever will listen that Jesus is the one and only way to total and eternal forgiveness of all their sins and lasting peace, fulfillment, and contentment both now and forevermore. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In his name & for his glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resources: Expositor's Bible Commentary (Abridged Edition): New Testament, Copyright 2004; Life Application Study Bible, footnote on p.2111.

⁽¹⁾ Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary of the New Testament, Copyright © 2002.