Mark 4:21-25
We could conclude that Mark was collecting a few random sayings from Jesus in order to lead us into the Kingdom parables to come. After all, we seem to suddenly switch from an examination of the individual’s heart in the Parable of the Sower to parables about the Kingdom of God. Perhaps, Mark is introducing to us a segue between the individual and the Kingdom. Or maybe he is joining the first parable about the heart soils to the parables about growing wheat and mustard seeds.
But, in fact, Mark is doing both as he has both the individual and the Kingdom in view.
In the Parable of the Sower, the good heart is adding numbers to the Kingdom even as he is being saved. This heart is producing crops of 30 or even a 100 fold. And so here Mark’s transition is subtle and natural. Those who hear the Gospel will share it. They will put the message about the Light of Life on lamp stand for others to see. The once hidden Kingdom of God now demands Kingdom people who will bring it out into the open, and Jesus’ expectation is that all who hear and receive the Gospel will continue bringing it out for those who haven’t heard or even refuse to hear.
The warning to Jesus’ listeners is clear and stark. Be careful how you hear, because the measure you use will not only be measured back to you, but more. Should you reveal the Gospel, more will be revealed to you. If you love your neighbor, your enemy and brother, more love will given to you. But if you hide the Gospel, the Gospel will be hidden from you. If you judge others, God will judge you far harsher than you judged. If you hate your brother, even the love you think you have from him will be taken from you.
Jesus is very concise. If you live outside the Kingdom and demand its rules, you will have them. There will be no mercy for you because the law shows no mercy to those who break it. But those who embrace the Kingdom through faith in Jesus will be given more, even as grace and mercy increase in the joy of living daily in the kindness of the Savior.
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