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

Answer  
  

After Jesus was rejected by the Jewish religious leaders in Mark 3, He began to speak in parables. In Mark 4:21–23, He gives an object lesson: “Is a lamp brought in to be put under a basket, or under a bed, and not on a stand? For nothing is hidden except to be made manifest; nor is anything secret except to come to light. If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear” (ESV).  
  

The idea of hiding a light under a basket (or “a bushel,” KJV) makes for a fun children’s Sunday school song, but there is a profound meaning behind the illustration. Jesus explains in the following verse: “Whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open” (Mark 4:22\). He then warns His listeners that those who have ears to hear should hear—they should listen carefully and heed what He is saying (Mark 4:23\). Truth is not to be hidden. It is to be received and heeded.  
  

Earlier, Jesus had told the [parable of the sower](parable-sower.html), which presents several examples of truth being poorly received. The seed sown beside the road was snatched up and taken away (Mark 4:15\). The seed sown on the rocky places was initially well\-received but never took firm root (Mark 4:16\). The seed sown among thorns took root initially but then was choked out by the thorns (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 (Mark 4:14\). The Word in some cases is snatched away by Satan (Mark 4:15\). In other cases the Word does not take root, for the rocks of affliction and difficulty get in the way (Mark 4:16\). In other cases the Word is received, but the worries of the world choke it out before it becomes fruitful (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 secrets will not stay secret and things hidden will not stay hidden. The light will eventually do its job. Elsewhere Jesus explains that He is the [Light of the world](light-of-the-world.html), and anyone who follows Him will not walk in the darkness but 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 (John 9:5\).  
  

Jesus also calls His listeners the light of the world (Matthew 5:14\). Like a city on a hill that cannot be hidden, Jesus’ followers will stand out. A light is not put under a basket but on a lampstand to give light to the whole house (Matthew 5:15\). Jesus’ followers should let their light shine among men so that people would see their good works, done in heaven’s name, and glorify the Father (Matthew 5:16\).  
  

Light serves several purposes in the teaching of Jesus: to expose that which is in secret, to provide a contrast with the darkness, and to illuminate the darkness. In each of these purposes, those who would follow Jesus have a responsibility to let their light shine. Paul similarly challenges believers in Christ to show themselves blameless and innocent even in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom believers “shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:15, ESV). Our light is not intended to be put under a basket but to illuminate the whole house.  
  

