“Take
heed what you hear. With whatever measure you measure, it will be measured to you, and more will be given to you who hear. For whoever has, to him will more be given, and he who doesn’t have, even that which he has will be taken away from him.”
Mark 4:24-25
Mark 4 [21.] He said to them, “Is the lamp brought to be put under a basket[c] or under a bed? Isn’t it put on a stand? For there is nothing hidden, except that it should be made known; neither was anything made secret, but that it should come to light. If any man has ears to hear, let him hear.”
Mark 4 [24.] He said to them, “Take heed what you hear. With whatever measure you measure, it will be measured to you, and more will be given to you who hear. For whoever has, to him will more be given, and he who doesn’t have, even that which he has will be taken away from him.”
Mark 4 [26.] He said, “God’s Kingdom is as if a man should cast seed on the earth, and should sleep and rise night and day, and the seed should spring up and grow, he doesn’t know how. For the earth bears fruit: first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. But when the fruit is ripe, immediately he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.”
Meaning:
- Take Heed What You Hear:
Jesus begins with a call to attentiveness—"Take heed what you hear." This implies a responsibility on the part of the listeners to be discerning and intentional about the information and teachings they allow into their hearts and minds. The quality of what is received becomes crucial in the unfolding principle.
- With Whatever Measure You Measure, It Will Be Measured to You:
The use of the term "measure" introduces the concept of reciprocity. Jesus conveys that the manner in which individuals measure or give will be the measure by which they, in turn, receive. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of giving and receiving, urging a thoughtful and generous approach.
- More Will Be Given to You Who Hear:
The promise that "more will be given" is directed specifically to those who hear and receive with the right measure. This implies that the openness and receptivity of the listener play a role in the abundance of what is received. It encourages a mindset of abundance and expectancy.
- Whoever Has, to Him More Will Be Given:
This statement reinforces the principle of abundance. It suggests that those who already possess a measure of understanding or insight will be recipients of even more. The implication is that the journey of learning and growing in understanding is dynamic and expansive.
- He Who Doesn't Have, Even That Which He Has Will Be Taken Away:
Conversely, this sobering statement speaks to the consequence of a closed or unresponsive heart. Those who lack receptivity and openness risk losing even the little they may already possess. It highlights the importance of cultivating a heart that remains open to the ongoing process of learning and understanding.
Significance:
Responsibility in Receiving: Mark 4:24-25 places a responsibility on the hearer to be discerning and intentional about what is received. It emphasizes that the measure of reception influences the measure of subsequent blessings and understanding.
Reciprocity in Giving and Receiving: The principle of reciprocity is central to these verses. The idea that the measure with which one gives or receives influences the abundance of what follows underscores the interconnectedness of generosity and blessing.
Abundance Mindset: The encouragement that "more will be given" fosters an abundance mindset. It invites believers to approach learning and receiving with expectancy, trusting in the generosity of God's provision.
Cross References:
Matthew 13:12: "For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have abundance, but whoever doesn’t have, from him will be taken away even that which he has." This parallel passage in Matthew echoes the principle of abundance and the consequence of closed hearts.
Luke 8:18: "Be careful therefore how you hear. For whoever has, to him will be given; and whoever doesn’t have, from him will be taken away even that which he thinks he has." Luke's version reinforces the importance of how one hears and the consequence of spiritual receptivity.
In Conclusion: Mark 4:24-25 presents a powerful teaching on the principle of giving and receiving, urging us to be intentional and discerning in our approach to learning and understanding. It emphasizes the reciprocity of the spiritual journey, where the measure with which one gives and receives influences the abundance of blessings and insights.
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible