The Lamp

​Community Group Discussion Guide
Gospel of Mark Project – The Lamp
Icebreakers:

1. Were you afraid of the dark as a child?  (Why do you think that many children are afraid of the dark?)
2. How do you feel about darkness as an adult? 
3. Do you prefer an environment with lots of light, or do you prefer the lights low?  (Why?)

Mark 4:21-25 NASB95
And He was saying to them, “ A lamp is not brought to be put under a basket, is it, or under a bed? Is it not brought to be put on the lampstand? [22] For nothing is hidden, except to be revealed; nor has anything been secret, but that it would come to light. [23] If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.” [24] And He was saying to them, “Take care what you listen to. By your standard of measure it will be measured to you; and more will be given you besides. [25] For whoever has, to him more shall be given; and whoever does not have, even what he has shall be taken away from him.”
The Big Idea: It is rather challenging to work effectively in total darkness.  Light gives us the ability to see what we need to see in order to proceed with whatever we are wanting to accomplish.  When it comes to the spiritual aspects of our lives, the light of Jesus acts as a mighty contrast to the spiritual darkness of this earth.  Without a doubt, Jesus is the light of the world.  John 1:4 In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. 
 
Digging Deeper:
Section 1: Jesus tells the parable of the lamp.
[21] “ A lamp is not brought to be put under a basket, is it, or under a bed? Is it not brought to be put on the lampstand? [22] For nothing is hidden, except to be revealed; nor has anything been secret, but that it would come to light.

• What is the obvious purpose of bringing a lamp into a room?  (Do you take the availability of electric lighting for granted?)
• What do you think the lamp represented in the parable?
• What was it about the “lamp” that would be revealed in the future?

Three ideas concerning the identity of the Lamp:

• The Lamp represents Jesus: John 8:12 Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.” 

• The Lamp represents the Church: Matthew 5:14-16 as a proof text: “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; [15] nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.  [16] Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”
• The Lamp is the Revelation that Jesus is the Christ: Mark 8:27-29 Jesus asked them, “Who do people say that I am?” [28] They told Him, saying, “John the Baptist; and others say Elijah; but others, one of the prophets.” [29] And He continued by questioning them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered and said to Him, “You are the Christ.”

Opinion: All three of these concepts are “tied” together.  Jesus is the light.  The Church is an extension of Jesus’ light.  The Revelation of Jesus as the Christ is a message of light.
Section 2: Jesus gives a warning.
[23] If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.” [24] And He was saying to them, “Take care what you listen to. By your standard of measure it will be measured to you; and more will be given you besides. [25] For whoever has, to him more shall be given; and whoever does not have, even what he has shall be taken away from him.”

• Why should we be careful to what we are listening to?  (What are some of the subjects and contemporary issues that could take our focus off the mission of the church?)
• If we stray away from lifting up the lamp, what are some of the possible consequences?

Wrap-up: What can we take away from the Parable of the Lamp.

• What really stands out to me is the need for the Church to stay on point when it comes to our mission.  There are many “good” causes that we could commit our effort and resources to, but only the message of the gospel has “the power to salvation.”  Romans 1:16.