21 And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick? 22 For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad. 23 If any man have ears to hear, let him hear. (Mark 4:21-23 KJV)
A Lamp Under a Basket
The lessons our Savior teaches us here through parables and figurative expressions are these:
That those who are good ought to consider the obligations they are under to do good—that is, to bring forth fruit. God expects a grateful return for His gifts to us, and a useful improvement of His gifts in us. Mark 4:21 says, “Is a lamp brought in to be put under a basket or under a bed? Isn’t it to be set on a lampstand?” The apostles were appointed to receive the gospel, not just for themselves, but to share it with others. All Christians, as they have received a gift, must serve others with it.
Gifts and graces make a person like a candle—the candle of the Lord (Proverbs 20:27), lit by the Father of lights. Even the most gifted are but candles—small lights compared to the Sun of righteousness. A candle gives limited light, lasts only a while, and is easily blown out.
Many who are lit as candles hide themselves under a bed or basket. They neither show grace nor share it. They may have wealth, intelligence, or learning, but nobody benefits from them. They may have spiritual gifts but don’t use them—like a candle burning only for itself.
Those who are lit as candles should put themselves on a lampstand. That is, they should use every opportunity to do good, as those made for the glory of God and the service of others. We are not born for ourselves. As Mark 4:22 says, “There is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed.” No gift or grace is given except to be shared. The gospel was not revealed to the apostles to be concealed, but to be made known throughout the world. Though Jesus explained the parables privately to His disciples, it was so they could be more publicly useful. They were taught so they could teach. The Spirit is given to each one not just for their own benefit, but for the good of others.
It concerns those who hear the gospel to pay attention to what they hear and make good use of it because their salvation or loss depends on it. As Mark 4:23 says, “If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.” Give the gospel a fair hearing. But that’s not enough. As Mark 4:24 adds, “Pay attention to what you hear.” Consider what you hear. What we hear does us no good unless we think about it. Those who are to teach others must be very mindful of the things of God. We must also test what we hear so we can hold on to what is good. Be cautious and stay alert so you’re not misled.