Parable of the Lamp

Mark 4:21-25

What was significance of a lamp in Jesus time?

Mark 4:21

Mark 4:21 NIV84

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?

When the light was gone, all work and activity ended for the day

They couldn’t just flick a switch, they had to have the fuel and keep the wick trimmed. It was something that required constant maintenance.

See Matthew 25:1-13

When the smallest of lights goes on what happens to the darkness?

Mark 4:22

Mark 4:22 NIV84

For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open.

What might be brought to light in your life when the light goes on?

What can be done what that happens?

Again with the “Those who have ears”.

Mark 4:23

Mark 4:2 NIV84

He taught them many things by parables, and in his teaching said:

Listen and understand.

The relationship between listening and Understanding is either a spiral up or a spiral down

See Matthew 25:14-30

The Parables were not meant to be studied in isolation but to work together to:

Give us illustration in real life which translates into FAITH.

Serve as building blocks that come together for a witness for Jesus.

Gives us stories we can relate to others to help them also build a witness for Jesus