Lamp and Measuring BasketRead Mark 4:21–23. What is Jesus’ special emphasis in the parableof the lamp?________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Houses in that part of the world in Jesus’ day varied in size andconstruction, all depending on location and wealth. The houses cameto follow a Greek pattern of being built around a courtyard but withvarying levels of sophistication. Or Jesus may be talking about smallerhouses of peasants. Big house or small house, the issue is this principle:one day the truth about Jesus will be revealed.Jesus asks two questions in Mark 4:21. The first one expects a negativeanswer—“The lamp is not brought to be placed under the basket or underthe bed, is it?” The second question expects a positive answer—“It isbrought to be placed on the lampstand, isn’t it?” Jesus presents an absurd,almost humorous scenario to make His point. Lamps are for giving light,or they lose their purpose. Mark 4:22 explains the parable by referencingthe idea of secrets being made public. Anyone whose email or computerhas been hacked understands the possibility of secrets being made public! But what Jesus is talking about is the gospel.Read Mark 4:24, 25. What lesson is Jesus conveying with the parableof the measuring basket?________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________In many locations in the world, fresh produce is sold in open markets.Sellers typically have a device for measuring the product they are selling.It is a common practice of such sellers to add just a bit more to a saleto help the buyer feel he or she is being treated fairly. Jesus picks up onhow good sellers treat buyers to make a point about openness to the truth.If one is open and follows the light, he or she will get even more. But ifhe or she rejects the light, even what they had before will be taken away.How can we better understand the principle that with what measure you use, it will be measured to you? Think about it in allyour dealings with others.