First of a three-part study on Mark 4:21-23
“Also He said to them, ‘Is a lamp brought to be put under a basket or under a bed? Is it not to be set on a lampstand?” (Mark 4:21).
Jesus has just taught the multitudes the Parable of the Sower following which He explains its meaning privately to His apostles. This parable emphasizes the importance of receiving the word with a ready mind.
Then, in this verse, He uses a “lamp” as a symbol of the word or more specifically of the gospel, which gives light to the World. And He uses a “basket” and a “bed” to represent suppression of the gospel.
So, even though the world is not yet ready to receive all of the gospel message, Jesus teaches His apostles here that they will become a beacon—a lampstand—whose purpose will be to transmit this spiritual light to the world.
Light is not meant to be hidden; rather, it is meant to be placed in a prominent position so that it can be seen by everyone, implying that the gospel message is to be known and understood by all.
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