Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Mark 4:24
And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.
24. with what measure ye mete ] According to the measure of your ability and diligence as hearers, ye shall receive instruction, and be enabled to preach to others.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Take heed what ye hear – Or, consider well what you hear. Make a good improvement of it.
With what measure ye mete … – You shall be treated according to the use you make of your opportunities of learning. If you consider it well, and make a good improvement of what you hear, you shall be well rewarded. If not, your reward shall be small. This is a proverbial expression. See it explained in the notes at Mat 7:1-2.
Mete – Measure. With what measure ye measure.
Unto you that hear – To you who are attentive, and who improve what you hear.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 24. And unto you that hear shall more be given.] This clause is wanting in DG, Coptic, and four copies of the Itala; and in others, where it is extant, it is variously written. Griesbach has left it out of the text, and supposes it to be a gloss, Whosoever hath, to him shall be given.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
Whoso considereth the connection of these words,
with what measure ye mete, &c., with the first words in the verse,
Take heed what ye hear, and compares the former with the parallel texts, Mat 7:2; Luk 6:38, will wonder what the force should be of the argument. For in both the parallel texts the latter words in this verse seem to be used as an argument to persuade them to justice and charity towards men, from the punishments of the violations of the law concerning them, by way of retaliation. Nor are there any sins so ordinarily as those of that kind so punished. But they can have no such force here, following those words, Take heed what ye hear. But, as I said before, there is nothing more usual than diverse applications of the same common saying, or proverbial expression. The saying is true, whether it be understood of men or of God, As we deal with God, so will God deal with us.
Take heed what ye hear. Luke saith, how ye hear. Take heed what ye hear; as much as, Take heed to what you hear, that you may receive the word not as seed by the way side, or in thorny or stony ground, but as in good ground. This seemeth rather to be the sense of our Saviour, than to give a caution by these words to men to examine what they hear, searching the Scriptures whether what they hear doth agree with them, though that also be the duty of all conscientious persons, as appeareth from Act 17:11 For saith our Saviour, God will deal with you as to his providence as you deal with him. If you allow the word of God but a little hearing, you shall reap from it heard little profit and advantage; this appeareth to be the sense from the following words.
And unto you that hear shall more be given; that is, unto you that hear, so as you attend, understand, believe, hearken, and obey, God will give further knowledge of Divine mysteries.
For he that hath, to him shall be given, &c.: another general proverbial expression; See Poole on “Mat 13:12“, “Mat 25:29“.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
24. And he saith unto them, Takeheed what ye hearIn Luke (Lu8:18) it is, “Take heed how ye hear.” The one impliesthe other, but both precepts are very weighty.
with what measure ye mete, itshall be measured to youSee on Mt7:2.
and unto you that hearthatis, thankfully, teachably, profitably.
shall more be given.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
And he said unto them,…. At the same time, though he had said what follows at another time, still continuing his discourse with his disciples:
take heed what you hear: diligently attend to it, seek to understand it, and lay it up in your minds and memories, that it may be of use to you in time to come, and you may be useful in communicating it to others:
with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured unto you; a common proverb among the Jews, used on various occasions, and to different purposes; [See comments on Mt 7:2]. Here it seems to intimate, that if the disciples carefully hearkened to what they heard from Christ, and studiously laboured to understand it, and faithfully dispensed it to others, in return, a larger measure, and greater degree of spiritual knowledge, would be bestowed upon them: for it follows, and
unto you that hear, shall more be given; that is, that hear so as to understand, keep, and make a good use of what they hear, more shall be communicated to them; they shall have an increase of knowledge in the doctrines of grace, and mysteries of the Gospel.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
What ye hear ( ). Lu 8:18 has it “how ye hear” ( ) . Both are important. Some things should not be heard at all for they besmirch the mind and heart. What is worth hearing should be heard rightly and heeded.
With what measure ( ). See already in the Sermon on the Mount (Matt 7:2; Luke 6:38).
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
1) “And He said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: (kai elegen autois blepete ti akouete) ”And He instructed them, take heed or be very cautious what ye hear,” Act 17:21. What one hears, listens to, influences what he does, Psa 1:1-3. Hearing error leads to corruption by error. Satan enters one’s life by ear-gate. This is why our Lord warned of the leaven of the Scribes, Pharisees, etc., Mat 5:20; Luk 12:1-3; Mar 8:15.
2) “With what measure ye mete,” (en ho metro metreite) “With what measure you all measure out,” to others, in speech and influence and deed Mat 7:12; Luk 6:31.
3) “It shall be measured to you:“(metrethesetai humin) “It shall be measured to you all,” in return, it will return in harmony with the law of sowing and reaping, Jas 1:19, The truth, despised or scorned, leads to spiritual dismay, but embraced, it gives liberty, Joh 8:32; Joh 8:36.
4) “And unto you that hear shall more be given,” (kai prostethesetai humin) “It also will be added or computed to you all,” the more trust, greater call, greater responsibility, or greater trusteeship. Simple, honest, earnest hearing, leads to greater knowledge and understanding, Joh 7:17; This axiom prevails, even in heeding God’s voice in giving, as expressed Luk 6:38; 2Co 9:6-7.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
D. A WARNING FOR HEARERS. 4:24-25
TEXT 4:24-25
And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete it shall be measured unto you: and more shall be given unto you. For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken away even that which he hath.
THOUGHT QUESTIONS 4:24-25
182.
Please associate these verses with what has been saidwhat is the measure and measuring.
183.
Who would measure to the apostles?
184.
How does this principle apply to today?
185.
Isnt it unfair to give to the one who has and take from the one who has not?
186.
Please explain in your own words the principle involved.
COMMENT
The four parables of Mark were all given at the same time and place. The parallel accounts are in Mat. 13:18-32 and Luk. 8:11-19.
19. This warning for the hearers is also found in Luk. 8:18.
OUTLINE1. Measure determines measuring, Mar. 4:24 a, 2. He who has, Mar. 4:25 a. 3, He who has not, Mar. 4:25 b.
ANALYSIS
I.
MEASURE DETERMINES MEASURING, Mar. 4:24.
1.
What amount are you giving of what I have given to you?
2.
What you have given determines what you shall receive,
II.
HE WHO HAS, Mar. 4:25 A.
1.
The one or ones to whom Jesus has given.
2.
If this one gives of what he has received he shall receive more.
III.
HE WHO HAS NOT, Mar. 4:25 B.
1.
He refuses to give what he has.
2.
What he had is lost.
EXPLANATORY NOTES
I.
MEASURE DETERMINES MEASURING, Mar. 4:24.
Mar. 4:24-25. Thus far the duty of using the truth as light has been grounded in the nature of truth and the purpose of the Teacher; now it is grounded in the law of human life itself. The words, And he saith unto them, repeated here, probably indicate, not a new beginning with a change of time and place, but rather the narrators remembrance of the special emphasis with which all this was spoken, very likely after a solemn pause.Take heed what ye hear. Luke, how ye hear. Not, Be careful what you listen to, as if he would warn against dangerous teachers, but, Carefully consider what you are hearing; observe how important it is; remember how necessary that you make the right use of it. It is almost, Take heed to what you hear, The reason assigned for this caution is that, according to the universal law, what one does will return to him.The words that hear are to be omitted, and the omission considerably changes the structure of the sentence: With what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you, and added to you.This saying, With what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you, proverbial in form, is applied in the Sermon on the Mount (Mat. 7:2) to the retribution that must come upon uncharitableness and self-willed judgment. Here our Lord gives it a quite different application; it is a law of life, and may be applied in many ways. In this case its lesson is, You will be dealt with, as to truth, as you deal with others. Hide it, and it will be hidden from you; impart it, and it will be imparted to you. How many souls, in dealing with trust as God has given it to them, have found it even sothat concealment was loss, while giving was gain! If the apostles had kept their truth as a private trust, how their souls would have shrivelled!Shall more be given is a promise of a return, which shall be not merely as the gift, but greater. So Luk. 6:38. (Compare 2Co. 9:8-14).
II.
HE WHO HAS, Mar. 4:25 A.
Mar. 4:25 contains what was evidently more or less a proverbial saying with our Lord. He that hath, to him shall be given, etc. (See Mat. 25:29; Luk. 19:26.) Here it fits the connection far otherwise than as in the passages referred toanother illustration of our Lords various use of single important sayings. Here, by a very striking turn of thought, he that hath is identified with him who imparts his trust of truth to others, the free giver, the true apostle, messenger of grace and truth; while he that hath not is identified with him who keeps his trust of truth to himself, content to be ever a disciple without becoming an apostle. The giver hath, the miser hath not. How true a description of men, and how true an interpretation of the law of life!And now it is declared that for these two classes there shall be retribution. He that hath, to him shall be given. So Luk. 6:38a passage that may serve as a link between this and Mat. 7:2 : Give, and it shall be given unto you. (See also Luk. 12:48).
III.
HE WHO HAS NOT, Mar. 4:25 B.
And he that hath not, from him shall he taken even that which he hath. How is this? He hath not, and yet he hath, something that he can lose. Yes; the spiritual miser possesses much in his own esteem; much truth has been entrusted to him; but if he is not a giver of truth, and so a possessor, his possession shall become no possession: what he hath shall be worthless to him. Such instruction may well have made the apostles careful what use they made of the parables. Partly to this, perhaps, it is due that they were so faithful in putting the lamp on the lampstand, not only by preaching, but also by making record of his words, especially such words as these. (W. N. Clarke).
FACT QUESTIONS 4:24-25
217.
Read Mat. 7:2 and Luk. 6:38 and show the difference in the use of the same principle here.
218.
Is this a warning or an encouragement? Discuss.
219.
Who is the one to whom much was given?
220.
How does the attitude of hearing and heeding the words of Jesus relate to this?
Fuente: College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
(24) With what measure ye mete.See Note on Mat. 7:2. The proverb furnishes a good illustration of what has just been said as to our Lords method of presenting the same truth under different aspects. In the Sermon on the Mount it appears as the law of retribution, which brings pardon to those who pardon, judgment without mercy to those who show no mercy. Here the law works in another region. With the measure with which we mete our knowledge, God will. in His bounty, bestow more knowledge upon us. The old maxim, Docendo disces (Thou wilt learn by teaching), becomes here more than the lesson of experience, and is one with the divine law of equity.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
24. Shall be measured to you In proportion to our earnest listening to the word, and listening with the heart, does God measure out our profit. Much is said nowadays about good preaching, and it is doubtless important. But far more important is good listening. The poorest Gospel preaching, well listened to, is better than eloquence merely enjoyed as a pleasant song that dies with the last sweet note.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Men Must Ensure That They Receive God’s Truth While They May, Otherwise They Might Lose It (4:24-25).
Having spoken of God’s truth as being like a lamp whose effectiveness depends on what men do with it, Jesus now stresses the need to take heed while it is still shining. And He does it in terms of an offer that is being made, which men must then decide whether they will accept or reject.
Analysis.
a
b “With what measure you measure it will be measured to you” (Mar 4:24 b).
c “And more shall be given to you” (Mar 4:24 c).
b “For to him who has, to him will be given” (Mar 4:25 a).
a “And he who has not, from him will be taken away even that which he has” (Mar 4:25 b).
Note that in ‘a’ they are to be careful what they hear, and in the parallel this is because if they do not accept what is offered they will lose even what they have. In ‘b’ they will receive the measure from God (or from other people) that they measure out to others, while in the parallel the one who has what is worthwhile will receive more. Central in ‘c’ is the thought that God gives more and more to those who are ready initially to receive.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
‘And he said to them, “Be careful what you hear. With what measure you measure it will be measured to you, and more shall be given to you. For to him who has, to him will be given, and he who has not, from him will be taken away even that which he has.” ’
‘Be careful what you hear.’ Luk 8:18 has ‘be careful how you hear’. But the meaning is much the same. What Jesus is saying in Mark is that they must be discerning, they must ensure that they listen and respond only to the truth, that they must be careful what they hear, and to do this they will have to be careful how they hear.
‘With what measure you measure it will be measured to you, and more shall be given to you.’ If they measure the words of Jesus genuinely and sincerely, receiving them, understanding them, appreciating them and fully responding to them, God will respond equally genuinely and sincerely. Indeed they will receive more than full measure. God will respond abundantly. To him who has will more be given. But if they do not receive and understand and fully respond they will lose even what they have, for it will be taken away from them. God is not satisfied with half measures and half response.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
A further warning:
v. 24. And He said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you; and unto you that hear shall more be given.
v. 25. For he that hath, to him shall be given; and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath. Christ here uses some proverbial sayings, quoted by Him elsewhere, in a new connection, Mat 7:2; Mat 13:12. The disciples, and especially the Twelve, were now hearing, being instructed for their work as evangelists, as preachers of the Gospel. Two people may hear the same saying in an entirely different way, with a great difference as to the amount of benefit obtained. It is essential, therefore, that they keep their eyes open and watch what they hear; for careful hearing pays. The reward given to them by Christ will exceed the measure of attention if they are faithful. A Christian that studies his Bible attentively, with the object of finding in it Jesus, the Savior, Joh 5:39, will be surprised by the measure of grace and understanding that will be given to him. The pastor and teacher that searches diligently will almost be overwhelmed by the mass of appropriate material that will be at his command. But a Christian that makes no headway in Bible knowledge will find even the little head knowledge that has still remained with him dull and commonplace; the pastor that does not grow in knowledge or the Scriptures will find himself growing shallow in his sermons and dull in his application. It is the judgment of God upon the indifferent and upon the lazy. “Whoso hath attention, knowledge will be given to him; and from him who hath not the seed of knowledge will be taken. For as diligence causes that seed to grow, negligence destroys it.”
Fuente: The Popular Commentary on the Bible by Kretzmann
Mar 4:24. With what measure, &c. The sense is, “God will proportion his lights to the measure of our docility:” a momentous truth! to which we can never sufficiently attend.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
Mar 4:24-25 . Comp. Luk 8:18 .
] Be heedful as to what ye hear ; how important it is rightly to understand what is delivered to you by me!
. . .] A ground of encouragement to heedfulness. It is otherwise in Mat 7:2 . In our passage the relation of heedfulness to the knowledge thereby to be attained is described. Euthymius Zigabenus well says: , , , , , , .
Mar 4:25 . Reason assigned for the foregoing . The application of the proverbial saying (comp. Mat 13:12 ; Mat 25:29 ) is: For if ye (through heedfulness) have become rich in knowledge, ye shall continually receive still larger accession to this riches (that is just the ); but if ye (through heedlessness) are poor in knowledge, ye shall also lose even your little knowledge. Euthymius Zigabenus erroneously refers only to the , and to the . So also Theophylact.
Fuente: Heinrich August Wilhelm Meyer’s New Testament Commentary
24 And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.
Ver. 24. Take heed what you hear ] As the husbandman is very curious in the choice of his seed.
With what measure you mete ] i.e. As you mete to God in duty, so will God mete to you in mercy, Son 1:3 .
Shall more be given ] sc. If you bring with you a loan of your former hearings. He that hears as he ought, every time he hears he grows something more rich: he picks up the gospel’s pearls, and presents them to God the next time, that he may have more. The good soul cannot be without some daily comings in from Christ.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
24. ] . (see var. readd.), more shall be added, i.e. more knowledge : so Euthym [14] : , , , , , , . , , . , . , . , .
[14] Euthymius Zigabenus, 1116
Fuente: Henry Alford’s Greek Testament
Mar 4:24 . , etc., take heed what you hear or how ( , Lk.), see that ye hear to purpose. , etc. = careful hearing pays, the reward of attention is knowledge ( , Euthy. Zig.). In Mat 7:2 the apothegm is applied to judging. Such moral maxims admit of many applications. The idea of measuring does not seem very appropriate here. Holtz. (H. C.) thinks Mar 4:24 interrupts the connection. implies that the reward will be out of proportion to the virtue; the knowledge acquired to the study devoted to the subject. There shall be given over and above, not to those who hear (T. R., ), but to those who think on what they hear. This thought introduces Mar 4:25 , which, in this connection, means: the more a man thinks the more he will understand, and the less a man thinks the less his power of understanding will become. “Whoso hath attention, knowledge will be given to him, and from him who hath not, the seed of knowledge will be taken. For as diligence causes that seed to grow, negligence destroys it,” Euthy.
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
Take heed. App-133.
what. On the former occasion the Lord said “how” (Luk 8:18).
with. Greek. en. App-104.
to you. shall more be given = to you, and that with interest.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
24.] . (see var. readd.), more shall be added, i.e. more knowledge: so Euthym[14]: , , , , , , . , , . , . , . , .
[14] Euthymius Zigabenus, 1116
Fuente: The Greek Testament
Mar 4:24. , See [take heed], what ye hear) The seeing organ, which is the more noble sense, directs and modifies the impressions of the hearing: it is the eye, not the ear, that can move itself.-, what) We are hearing the word, which is the word of God; account that as a high privilege: Or else the what is to be resolved into the how of Luke: see to it, what kind of a hearing you render to the word.- , with what measure) The measure alluded to is the heart, with its capabilities, desires, anxiety to impart blessings received to others, and obedience.-, it shall be added [more shall be given]) That ye may be not only hearers, but partakers.-) as concerns the hearers;[39] comp. on Rom 2:8, as respects such datives. [Engl. Vers. makes the dat. follow ., more shall be given to you that fear.]
[39] The margin of both editions had left the reader to decide as to the omission of this clause, . The Gnomon and Vers. Germ. retain it.-E. B.
BCDGLc Vulg. omit it. However A, with Rec. Text, supports it.-ED.
Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament
Take: Pro 19:27, Luk 8:18, Act 17:11, Heb 2:1, 1Jo 4:1, 1Pe 2:2, 2Pe 2:1-3
with: Mat 7:2, Luk 6:37, Luk 6:38, 2Co 9:6
hear: Mar 9:7, Isa 55:3, Joh 5:25, Joh 10:16, Joh 10:27
Reciprocal: Jer 17:21 – Take Mat 13:12 – For whosoever Mar 4:9 – General Luk 6:27 – unto Luk 11:36 – the whole Joh 10:5 – General Rom 10:17 – and hearing
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PEW
And He said unto them, Take heed what ye hear. For he that hath, to him shall he given: and he that hath not from him shall be taken even that which he hath.
Mar 4:24-25
Not without purpose was this warning given.
I. Perils in hearing.These are many.
(a) Losing the Word, before faith has made it fruitful.
(b) A merely temporary faith, not counting the cost.
(c) The absorbing power of other things choking the Word, even though it has been once heard.
II. Fruitful hearing.The lot of the seed describes the lot of him who receives the Word. To him that hathas the fruit of his usingthis his own increase; shall more be giventhis the Lords increase (cf. parable of talents). Every attainment of truth a condition of meetness to gain other and deeper truth. So in all study and acquisition.
III. Those who hear not.Him that hath nothath nothing more than was first given to him. From him shall even that be taken. Any one can have what is given; only the diligent have more.
(a) The condemnation assumes the form of a removal of truth. It is naturally forgotten by him who does not use his understanding upon it. Disregarded truth (and duty) becomes disliked truth.
(b) In carelessness he puts it away from him. His measure is small; so he metes it to himself.
(c) To hear is a duty; to neglect duty brings Gods condemnation.
(d) He who does not receive the Kingdom of Heaven is ipso facto in the kingdom of evil. Continued departures from truth and duty leave the man farther from God, truth, heaven.
Illustration
Archbishop Grindals letter to Queen Elizabeth contains a striking passage on preaching: Public and continual preaching of Gods Word is the ordinary means and instrument of the salvation of mankind. St. Paul calleth it the ministry of reconciliation of man unto God. By preaching of Gods Word, the glory of God is enlarged, faith is nourished, and charity increased. By it the ignorant is instructed, the negligent exhorted and invited, the stubborn rebuked, the weak conscience comforted, and to all those that sin of malicious wickedness the wrath of God is threatened. By preaching, due obedience to Christian princes and magistrates is planted in the hearts of subjects: for obedience proceedeth of conscience, conscience is grounded upon the Word of God, the Word of God worketh his effect by preaching. So as generally when preaching wanteth obedience faileth. If this be the true purpose of the pulpit, how great is the responsibility of the pew!
Fuente: Church Pulpit Commentary
Getting What You Give
Mar 4:24-41
INTRODUCTORY WORDS
There are many “as” and “sos” in the “Word of God. These cover various lines of consideration. Let us suggest one or two of these before we take up the study proper.
Jesus said: “As Jonas * * so shall the Son of Man.” Here is a comparison setting forth the experiences of Jonah in the whale’s belly, and his being cast forth on to the land, as typical of Christ buried, and risen again.
“As it was in the days of Lot,” so in the days of the Coming of the Son of Man. This along with “As it was in the days of Noe, so * * in the days of the Son of Man.” Here the most striking “as” and “so” covers a tremendous scope of time. The Lord Jesus stood, as it were, on the middle ground. With one hand, He reached far back to the days of Lot and of Noah, while with the other hand, He reached far on into the days of His Second Advent and said, “as” and “so.” In this, He made history forecast prophecy.
Once again, Christ said: “As Moses * * so must the Son of Man.” This time He referred to Moses lifting up the serpent in the wilderness, and He made it a picture of His own lifting up on the Tree.
With the above suggestions before us, let us observe some things where the “as” and “so” bring home to our own lives some tremendous lessons.
1. As we give, it shall be given to us again. God has placed His munificence toward us upon the basis of our munificence toward Him. He says: “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over.”
It is written: “The liberal soul shall be made fat.” Again, it is written: “There is that withholdeth * * but it tendeth to poverty.” Accordingly, “He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.”
How wonderful it all is. “God loveth a cheerful giver,” and when He finds one He is able to make all grace abound to such an one, that he in turn may abound in every good work.
Let us all beware lest in our withholding from God, God shall withhold from us.
2. As we forgive, we shall be forgiven. It is not necessary to enlarge upon this. We remember the story of Peter and his question, “How oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.”
After the words above, the Lord told a parable of one who had been forgiven ten thousand talents, and who in turn refused to forgive an hundred pence. The lord of this man hearing of his case was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.
After the parable was over, Christ said: “So likewise shall My Heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.”
I. GOD’S SYSTEM OF REWARDS AND PUNISHMENTS (Mar 4:24-25)
1. In the realm of service our verse is true. We bring to your remembrance the story of the pounds in Luk 19:1-48, and of the talents in Mat 25:1-46. In the case of the pounds, the man who had failed God, and had wrapped up his pound in a napkin lost his pound. To him, Christ said: “Take from him the pound, and give it to him that hath ten pounds. * * For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him.”
In the case of the talents, Christ said practically the same thing, adding: “For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance.”
If we want large rewards at the Second Coming of Christ, we must present large service now, for we shall receive every one according to his work.
2. In the realm of rewards and punishment our verse is again true. “With what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you.” Every one of us should weigh our every act and our every word. Everything we do has a tremendous influence upon what we shall receive in the days to come.
Had you ever weighed this statement, “He that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword.” Sins as well as good deeds act as a boomerang bringing back upon our own heads, according to that we have bestowed upon others.
Let a man enrich himself by impoverishing those with whom he has dealt, God will impoverish him. Let a man accuse another falsely of some heinous crime or deed, he himself, according to God’s Law of retribution, will ever stand in danger of being accused.
Remember, God has said: “Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”
II. THE LAW OF INCREASE (Mar 4:26-28)
The three verses before us are freighted with wonderful truth.
1. Our mind goes back to the beginnings of the Gospel. The sower of Mar 4:26 is Jesus Christ, and His servant. The seed sown is the Gospel. The ground is the world.
Our mind goes back to the small beginnings of the Church. The one hundred and twenty in the upper room. The preachings at Pentecost. The three thousand saved and baptized. The unspeakable joy and gladness among the saints as they break their bread from house to house, praising God.
Our mind now looks at the present survey, the multiplied millions who bend the knee to the Son of God and acclaim Him Lord and Saviour. The multitudes baptized, their gifts of millions to evangelization, their prayers, their hymns of praise. Surely, there has been an abundant harvest from so small a beginning.
2. Our mind considers how it all has happened. Mar 4:27 tells us of one sowing his seed, and then he sleeps, and rising night and day he beholds the seed springing up and growing, “He knoweth not how.”
How often have we stood amazed at the far-reaching blessings which have accrued from our own seed sowing. When, however, we observe the combined growth from the combined sowings of the gospel seed, how much more are we amazed.
It has all happened according to the words of the Saviour, which He spoke to Nicodemus, “The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.”
With Nicodemus we cry, “How can these things be?” We see the results of the Gospel, and yet, we cannot comprehend its mighty power of accomplishment.
Truly, God has been with us, even as He said when He went away.
III. STEP BY STEP (Mar 4:28)
Our verse runs like this: “For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.”
We see a steady growth. Wherever we turn in nature all of this comes before us. Christ Himself took us to the cornfield. He described how the little blade shot up, then afterward the ear, then still later on the full corn in the ear.
1. This is the story of the Christian’s personal experiences. “That which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die.” The believer who would become fruitful in service must be willing to take his place alongside the grain of corn. He must be willing to be cast into his grave and die-die to the world, die to self, to ambition, to pride.
The grave is the place of separation, decomposition, and death. It is, however, only as we die that we can bring forth much fruit. If the grain of corn does not die, it abideth alone. So, also, if we would spare our life, holding it back from death, we shall lose our life. But if we gladly go with Christ into His death, we shall find our life in a glorious resurrection service.
2. This is the story of the Gospel’s harvest. The part before suggested to us the growth of the seed sowing of the early Church. We wish to present this same conception in our daily tasks.
Too many Christians have an ambition to see great things immediately occur. We forget that there must be seedtime as well as harvest. That there must be the growing season as well as the gathering season. Can we remember how Adoniram Judson and William Carey labored for years before they reaped their harvest. Can we remember the days when Robert Morrison stood without the walled city of Canton and cried: “Give me China or I die.” In Christian service, there must be first the blade, then the ear, and after that the full corn in the ear.
IV. HARVEST HOME (Mar 4:29)
Our mind now goes to the time of harvest. Mar 4:29 says: “But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.”
1. There is the individual harvest. We can almost hear the Apostle Paul saying, “Dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and my crown, so stand fast in the Lord.” Some one wrote this beautiful little couplet:
“Oh, it would every toil repay,
If just some one would gladly say
To Jesus up in Heav’n some day,
Dear Lord, he taught my lips to pray.”
We agree with the couplet. There could be no greater joy to us as we enter Heaven’s glory than to see some precious souls whom we had led to Christ. On the other hand, how sad our hearts would be if we had no sheaves to lay at the Master’s feet in that day of harvest home.
2. There is the general harvest.
(1) The harvest of the world. Saints are not the only ones who reap harvests. In the 14th chapter of Revelation we read of how the angel cried, “Thrust in Thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for Thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe.”
During the centuries the world populace has been sowing its seed, and its harvest is almost here.
(2) The harvest of the Church. As the years have passed, the Church has been gathering out of the nations a people for His Name. How wonderful will be the harvest home when we all stand before the throne of God and sing the song of Moses and the Lamb. In that gathering the redeemed from every nation, tongue and tribe will gather around the Throne of God, and of the Lamb and ascribe unto Him, “Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power.”
V. THE MUSTARD SEED (Mar 4:31-32)
The Lord Jesus spoke another parable saying: “Whereunto shall we liken the Kingdom of God?” He said then that it was like a grain of mustard seed.
1. The small beginning. The grain of mustard seed is the least of all seeds that is sown in the earth. It teaches us not only of the small beginnings of the Church, but it also teaches us not to despise the day of small things in our own lives. Even a word, fitly spoken, may result in untold blessings. A little deed of kindness may shake a kingdom.
It was one of our greatest men who said, that he never saw an urchin on the street but that he felt like doffing his hat, because he might be speaking to the coming President of the United States.
2. The present day sweep of the Church. How wonderful it has been after nineteen hundred years: it behooves us to stop a moment to see if we can catch the united and unified voice of praise that ascends on any one Sunday to the Throne of God.
Perhaps, we can with our mind’s ear catch the unified voice of the great volume of prayer that ascends to God on any one Lord’s Day.
Perhaps, we can. with enlarged vision view the united gifts which are laid upon the Lord’s altar; or the united service, which is rendered unto Christ in any one day of rest.
3. The birds lodging in the branches. Our Lord could not forecast the story of the mustard seed, and the mighty tree, without faithfully prophesying the sad fact that the birds of the air had lodged in the branches thereof. The fowls are spoken of in another parable as being the children of the wicked one. How sad it is that in the great growth of the Church, which is abnormal in part, there is to be found in our day such a mixture. In the church tree there are not only those who are born again, but there are those who follow Satan. In many places, the world dominates the church.
VI. THE STORY OF THE STORM AT SEA (Mar 4:37-40)
1. The storms which swept against the Son of God. Our Saviour, after His parable was spoken, entered into a little ship to go across the sea. “He was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow.” “There arose a great storm of Wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.”
The storms of that sea suggest unto us the wrath of Satan against the Son of God. During the ages the devil had sought by every strategy to keep the promised Seed of the woman from being born. Now that Christ had come, Satan was doing everything he could to slay the Seed.
2. The storms which sweep against the Church. The Lord is not the only one whom Satan seeks to slay. Christ said: “If they have called the Master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of His household?”
He also said “Ye know that it hated Me before it hated you, * * If they have persecuted Me, they will also persecute you.” So it is unto this day. If anyone lives godly in Christ Jesus, he suffers persecution. Not only that, but the Church that stands separated unto God will also suffer.
3. The other little boats. Mar 4:36 presents a tremendous truth. It says: “And there were also with Him other little ships.” This is the lesson we would impart; no man liveth unto himself. Everything that affects one life, affects other lives. This is true whether it be bane or blessing. The storm which struck the Saviour and His little boat, fell likewise upon those in the other little boats. Later on, the calm which quieted the storm against the ship wherein Christ lay, also quieted the storm for the other little boats.
Life is like a great train of cars. Each individual life is linked to every other life.
VII. THE FAILURE TO TRUST (Mar 4:40-41)
1. The care of the Master discounted. The disciples awoke Christ saying, “Master, carest Thou not that we. perish?” How oft are we tempted to doubt Christ. When the billows toss and the winds howl about us, we think that God has forgotten us. We forget that the very hairs of our head are all numbered. We forget that He whose eye is on the sparrow, never fails to watch over us.
Can He forget His own? He who watches over us never slumbers, and never sleeps. Great is His faithfulness; it is renewed every morning; it is fresh every evening.
2. The disciples rebuked. The twelve had discounted their Lord’s care; He now rebukes their lack of faith. To them, He said: “Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?”
Did they not know that the ship could not sink so long as He was in it? Do we not know that we are safe as long as we are under His care, and as long as He walks beside us on the way? We might fail Him; He will never fail us.
3. The Master glorified. After He had rebuked the disciples, He arose and said unto the sea, “Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.” Thus it was that the wrath of Satan became the opportunity for Christ to be glorified. Thus it was that through much fear and testing the disciples were led to give honor unto the One who delivered them. Here is what they said one to another, “What manner of Man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?”
Let us imagine that the hour has come when Christ shall speak peace to a troubled world: the tribulation has run its course, the antichrist is overthrown, Jesus Christ reigns: the world glorifies Christ, the Prince of Peace,
AN ILLUSTRATION
How our lives may influence others, or, be influenced by others is illustrated below:
“A little clock in a jeweler’s window in a certain Western town, stopped one day for half an hour at fifteen minutes of nine. School children, noticing the time, stopped to play; people hurrying to the train, looking at the clock, began to walk leisurely; professional men, rushing to meet appointments, saw the time and walked slower; business men after a look at the clock stopped to chat a minute with one another; workingmen and women noted the time and lingered a little longer in the sunshine, and all were half an hour late because one small clock had stopped. Never had these people known how much they had depended upon that clock, till it had led them astray. Many are thus unconsciously depending upon the influence of Christians; you may think you have no influence, but you cannot go wrong in one little act without leading others astray.
“Every Christian citizen should so live in his personal habits, and in his attitude as a citizen that those who keep watch of him shall make no blunder as to the time of day in character and citizenship.”
Fuente: Neighbour’s Wells of Living Water
4
The admonition as to what we hear is connected with the statement about the measure. The thought is that the more and better attention we give to what is said to us, the more benefit we will receive from what is said.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
Mar 4:24. Take heed what ye hear. Luke: how ye hear. The latter is implied in the former, for what we hear really depends on how we hear. The reference is to a proper improvement of the opportunities now graciously afforded them, as appears from what follows.
With what measure ye mete, etc. See on Mat 7:2. The principle is the same in both cases; but there the application is to censorious judgments, here to our Lords mode of instruction and the way it was received. Giving and receiving are reciprocal. As you treat me as your Instructor (giving attention), you will be treated (in receiving profit).
And more shall be given, lit., added, i.e., in case you hear properly. That hear, omitted in the best authorities, was probably inserted to express this obvious sense. The reference may possibly be to teaching as well as to giving attention; Mar 4:21-22, allude to this, and mete is more appropriately applied to giving out to others. The promise of increased knowledge is certainly given to those who faithfully teach in Gods kingdom; but here the other application is the primary one, as appears from the more immediate connection.
Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament
Mar 4:23 If any man have ears to hear, let him hear. 24 And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given. 25 For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath. Simply put if you respond to what you are first given, then more will be given to you. The opposite principle also applies, if you have a little and respond not, then what you have and more will be taken from you.
I personally would relate this to Romans one where it speaks to the fact that creation displays information about God and if you respond to that revelation then He will surely give you more revelation, but if you reject what he has given in nature then He will take even that away from you – that is what Romans one illustrates – they reject the creator and start worshiping the created.
Rom 1:18 “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed [it] unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, [even] his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified [him] not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. 24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.”
I do not believe for a moment that God is sitting up there waiting to drop the ax on those that do not respond, but when they have had every opportunity to hear and respond, He will certainly say “ENOUGH!” and as Romans puts it “[gives] them up to uncleaness through the lusts of their own hearts….” He does not seem to sugar coat his actions, just states em like they are!
Fuente: Mr. D’s Notes on Selected New Testament Books by Stanley Derickson
4:24 {3} And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.
(3) The more liberally that we share such gifts as God has given us with our brethren, the more bountiful God will be toward us.
Fuente: Geneva Bible Notes
The disciples needed to consider carefully what Jesus was telling them. The degree to which they gave heed to what He said would be the degree to which they would profit from it. God would graciously bless attentive disciples with even greater benefit than the effort they expended in heeding His words. Their blessing would be disproportionately large.