GREAT THINGS ENTERPRISE
CLAUDE BLACK
Mark 4:24
A Measure Returned
On the evening newscast, there was a feature story about a woman who used her own resources to provide a feeding program to needy individuals. She did not keep a record of the time she ran this program, the expense, or the number of people served. She did not advertise or seek any recognition. She offered the program as her way of serving others. According to the news story, information about her work made its way to the mayor and the city council, which consequently appointed a day to honor her for her benevolent work.
Jesus taught his disciples, “And he said to them, ‘Take heed to what you hear. With what measure you measure, it will be measured to you, and will be given to you.’” (Mark 4:24) Some commentators think Jesus quoted an ancient proverb. It is certainly true that the more one studies, the more one gets in return. Or the more one puts into worship, the more one receives in return. There is the “Law of Reciprocity” that suggests people feel obligated to return favors or kindnesses they receive, so if someone does something nice for someone, the recipient feels naturally inclined to do something nice in return.
Given the context of Jesus’ statement, though, it seems that he was applying this principle to the believer’s work. He mentioned the seed in good soil that brought forth abundantly, the lamp placed on the lampstand giving light, and the hidden message that is revealed. In this context, it seems that Jesus was telling his disciples that if they broadcast the message—the Gospel—they would receive an abundant reward, and even more would be added to them. In this context, the measure was not merely temporal, but eternal. The measure—the living out and proclamation of the Gospel—will not only be returned but even more will be given. Time has not diminished Jesus’ principle.
Directory