Untitled Sermon (6)

Scripture Reading: Luke 8:16-18

Passage: Mark 4:21-25

Title: Back to the Basics: The Light of Christ

Intro:

Passage Context: Last week we started Mark chapter 4. Remember that up unto This point, we have seen that Jesus is revealed to be the Christ, and the fact that Jesus is the Christ, is the very purpose of the book of Mark.

We have seen Jesus was baptized and then overcame temptation, then we saw Jesus, heal, cast out demons, and do several miracles. Then in chapter 3 we saw those who Jesus called to follow Him. We also saw the opposition that Jesus faced. Now in chapter 4 Mark is telling the readers of what Jesus taught. So we have seen who Jesus is, What Jesus did, and who followed Jesus/ those that opposed him, and now we are seeing what Jesus taught.

Remember, Last week we looked at Jesus’ teaching of the parable of the seed and soil. The main point of that parable is for the listener to examine themselves to see if they are receptive soil for the gospel or not.

Well now we are going to see Jesus teach a new parable.

READ PASSAGE HERE

Passage explanation: Now when we look at this passage we are reminded that Jesus taught in parables. A parable is an earthly story with heavenly meaning.

Now, also remember the context of this parable that Jesus is teaching. Remember in Mark 4:1 we see that Jesus is the one speaking, and remember that Jesus was in a boat in Capernaum, in the Sea of Galilee. Now we also see in the parable of the soil, that time does pass where Jesus is with his disciples and he is teaching just the disciples.

So either Mark is just giving us a few of the parables that Jesus taught, and he is not so worried about the time frame that it was done in, or Jesus taught this parable in the boat.

Now personally, I think it is probably the first, that Mark is just giving the readers a few of the parables that Jesus taught. And in this parable we see that Jesus teaches of light and a lampstand.

Main Point: The main point of this parable is comparing light that reveals what ever it shines on to Jesus’s teachings that reveal the motives of the heart.

Call to Action:

Part 1: The Parable Mark 4:21

Point 1: The ludicrous idea of hiding the light.

Explanation: Look at how Mark starts this passage, “Also He said to them,” So Remember, Mark is giving the reader a parable that was taught by Jesus.

Look at how this parable starts, “Is a lamp brought to be put under a basket or under a bed?” Now remember, when Jesus taught this parable, they did not have electricity. They did not have a light switch that they could just come and turn off and on. So at night, when it was dark, if they were going to see, they would have to use candles and a lamp.

Now Jesus says, that person is not going to go get a lamp or candle, just to put a cover over the light, or they are not going to put the light under the bed. See Jesus is pointing out the rediculousness of this idea. You are not going to get a light, just to hide the light.

Illustration: Now to understand this story I want you to imagine: we just had a storm, and the electricity went out. The sun has gone down, so it is dark outside. What is the first thing you do? You go get a light source, so you can see what you are doing right? So for today, you use your phone, it gets you to the drawer where the flashlights are held, you open it, all the batteries are dead. So you go get a candle and light it. The first thing you do with that candle is not place it in a closet and close the door.

Application:

Transition: After Jesus gave the brief parable, or illustration, Jesus explains this parable.

Part 2: Explanation of the Parable Mark 4:22-23

Point 2: The Light Reveals what was hidden in the Darkness.

Explanation: Look at why Jesus gave this parable. Look at verse 22, “For there is nothing hidden which will not be revealed, not has anything been kept secret but that it should come to light.”

Illustration:

Application: Remember church there is nothing that you can do that Jesus does not reveal. There is no sin that is hidden from Christ. Remember what Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 states, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” Remember church, that Jesus brings everything into the light. Even the sins that you do in the darkness, they will be brought to the light.

Transition:

Part 3: The Warning to those who hear. Mark 4: 24-25

Point 3:

Explanation:

Illustration:

Application: