Why does Mark 4:21 reference a light under a basket?

Response

After Jesus faced rejection from the Jewish religious leaders in Mark 3, He started using parables. In Mark 4:21–23, He provides an object lesson: “Is a lamp brought in to be placed under a basket or under a bed, and not on a stand? For nothing is hidden except to be revealed, nor is anything secret except to be brought to light. If anyone has ears to hear, let him listen” (ESV).

The concept of concealing a light under a basket (or “a bushel,” KJV) may be a popular children’s Sunday school song, but there is a profound significance behind the illustration. Jesus elaborates in the next verse: “Whatever is hidden is meant to be revealed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open” «For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad. », (Mark 4:22). He then cautions His audience that those with ears to hear should pay attention—they should listen attentively and take heed of His words «If any man have ears to hear, let him hear. », (Mark 4:23). Truth should not be concealed. It should be accepted and obeyed.

Earlier, Jesus had shared the parable of the sower, which illustrates various scenarios of truth being poorly received. The seed sown beside the road was snatched up and taken away «And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts. », (Mark 4:15). The seed sown on rocky ground was initially well-received but never took firm root «And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; », (Mark 4:16). The seed sown among thorns took root initially but then was choked out by the thorns «And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, », (Mark 4:18). Each of these examples is similar to hiding a light under a basket.

The “seed” in Jesus’ parable is the Word of God « The sower soweth the word. », (Mark 4:14). The Word in some cases is snatched away by Satan «And these are they by the wayside, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts. », (Mark 4:15). In other cases, the Word does not take root, for the rocks of affliction and difficulty get in the way «And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; », (Mark 4:16). In other cases, the Word is received, but the worries of the world choke it out before it becomes fruitful «And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, », (Mark 4:18). In each case, the Word is given to bear fruit, but sometimes it does not. Similarly, a lamp is meant to give light, but there are conditions that prevent the light from shining. How foolish it is to put a light under a basket, where no one can see it and the light cannot illuminate the room. The light should be exposed, allowing it to function as designed—to bring illumination.

Jesus’ illustration of hiding a light under a basket also shows that sSecrets will not remain undisclosed, and concealed things will not stay hidden. The light will eventually fulfill its purpose. Elsewhere, Jesus explains that He is the Light of the world, and whoever follows Him will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life «Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, I am the light of the world: whoever follows me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. », (John 8:12). He would not be a light under a basket; as long as He was on earth, He would be the Light of the world «As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. », (John 9:5).

Jesus also refers to His listeners as the light of the world «You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. », (Matthew 5:14). Like a city on a hill that cannot be concealed, Jesus’ followers will stand out. A light is not placed under a basket but on a lampstand to give light to the whole house «Nor do people light a candle and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it gives light to all who are in the house. », (Matthew 5:15). Jesus’ followers should let their light shine among people so that others would see their good deeds, done in the name of heaven, and glorify the Father «Let your light so shine before people, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. », (Matthew 5:16).

Light serves various purposes in Jesus’ teachings: to reveal what is hidden, to provide a contrast with darkness, and to illuminate the darkness. In each of these purposes, those who choose to follow Jesus have a responsibility.

It is important for individuals to allow their light to shine. Paul similarly challenges followers of Christ to demonstrate themselves as blameless and innocent even in the midst of a twisted and corrupt generation, among whom they “shine as lights in the world” «that ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; », (Philippians 2:15, ESV). Our light is not meant to be hidden but to illuminate the entire house.