09.03.19 Mk. 4:21-25 (See also Lk. 8:16-18)
PARABLE OF THE LIGHTED LAMP
21 He said to them, “Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed? Instead, don’t you put it on its stand?
22 For nothing is concealed
except to be revealed,
And nothing hidden
except to come to light
23 If anyone has ears to hear,
He should listen!”
24 Then He said to them, “Pay attention to what you hear.
“With the measure you use,
it will be measured
“By the measure you use,
it will be measured and added to you.
25 For to the one who has,
it will be given, and
From the one who does not have,
even what he has will be taken away.”
09.03.19.A. FIRST CENTURY HERODIAN OIL LAMP. This first century Herodian style lamp is easily identified by its fan-shaped spout and fits in the palm of one’s hand. These were molded of clay and fired in a pottery kiln for hardness. The fuel was olive oil and a wick was inserted in the small spout. The short wick absorbed the oil, then was lit and provided minimal lighting in the home. Jesus used common events and objects of daily life to convey his message. Photograph by the author.