Mark 4:21-34

Jesus spoke about candles and seed Mark 4:21-34: Often we act much more foolish in our spiritual lives than we would ever consider doing in our physical lives. Men would never light a candle to produce light for the house and then cover it with something. However we may allow some foolish conduct to cover our spiritual light and destroy our influence for good. Let us remember that there is coming a day when every secret thing will come to light.

Again the Lord repeated, "If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear." An additional admonition is also given concerning our hearing. Our attitude in hearing is important so the Bible says, "Take heed therefore how ye hear..." (Luke 8:18) But here the Lord said, "Pay attention to what you hear: with the measure you use, it will be measured to you, and still more will be added to you." Listen carefully to what you hear. Pay careful attention to what is said.

The Lord again used seed to help explain the kingdom. He said, "The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground." He may not understand how the seed grows in the ground but it does. Jesus wanted us to understand that what we do becomes an influence that continues to live and act whether we are aware of it or not. With faith and patience let us serve and await God's judgment.

To gain their attention Jesus asked, "With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable shall we use for it?" He said, "It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when sown on the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth, But once it is planted, it grows larger than any garden plant. It even puts out branches that are big enough for birds to nest in its shade." From a very small beginning the kingdom would become strong and from small begin-nings the knowledge that people have of God and their relationship with him can grow strong.