“No one lights a lamp and then covers it with a jar or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a lampstand so that those who come in can see the light. For nothing is hidden that will not be revealed, and nothing concealed that will not be made known and brought to light.
So listen carefully, for whoever has will be given more, but whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken from him.”
(NET)
Following from the examples of how different people would receive His teaching (vv.4-8) Jesus expands here in vv.16-18. Very simply, if we understand the Word of God, if we are taking it in, in faith, then our lives should reflect that. The example given is that of a lamp: we don’t light lamps to hide them, and we don’t take in God’s Word to simply sit on it. Lamps are lit to give light, God’s Word is given to do likewise.
Jesus is saying to the disciples and the crowd that they have not been given understanding in the Word of God (vv.9-10) to keep it all a secret, rather, they have been given understanding in order to go and let it shine before others. For those listening who had not had times of intimate explanation from the Lord, they were to consider carefully how they listened (listen carefully) and how they responded (v.15). If they heard, didn’t take it seriously, and moved on unchanged, then even what he thinks he has will be taken from him.
For you and for me then, we ought to consider how we are listening to and taking in God’s Word. Lamps are lit to shine, and God’s Word is given to be responded to in faith (whoever has will be given more).
Today then, let us use this passage as an attitude check:
- When I read my Bible, do I receive it as the very Words of God?
- When I read/hear the Word being taught and explained and applied to my life, is my attitude one of readiness for action, or reticence about action?
- Do I hear and respond in faith?
- If not, how can I do so more?
James Travis 