Mark 4:25 causes some people to scratch their heads. They think it’s unfair. That’s where Jesus says: “For to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.”

To understand what is happening, we need to look at the context.

Jesus had just been teaching about being “good soil.” This is someone who hears God’s word, accepts it, and bears fruit with their life, meaning that they show evidence of faith in a way that loves and serves others (Mark 4:20). After that he explained that a light is intended to shine, not to be hidden. (Mark 4:21.)

That original statement from Jesus comes on the heels of those other teachings. Each idea builds on the other. Jesus is teaching, therefore, about sharing and showing his light. If you share and show the light of Christ “more will be given” to you. If you don’t, “even what he has will be taken away.”

When understood in context, it is consistent and makes sense. You are intended to shine. As stated in the slogan for the Canadian Blood Services, “It’s in you to give.”

And when you live by faith, and as you increasingly rely on the Holy Spirit, Jesus’ light will shine more and more through your life. This doesn’t mean you’re perfect. Nor does it mean that every day is a good day. It means that you are a sincere carrier of the light which Christ has first given to you.

Donald Whitney writes: “There is no such thing as spiritual unemployment or spiritual retirement in the Kingdom of God.”* How very true. You may retire from the school board or from the electric company, but you will never retire from discipleship. 

You are a light which is meant to shine. Do it for the glory of God and for the benefit of the people around you.

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Notes and extra content:

–“Trust God and leave the results to him.” Sermon. October 27, 2024. Click here.

–*Donald Whitney, Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life (Navpress, 2014), 58.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.