Secrets: Mark 4:21-23

Secrets are meant to be shared.  Isn’t that why we all enjoy hearing secrets in the first place?  We like being in the know.  We also like being the one who lets other people in.  We like sharing juicy gossip.  We like telling punchlines to jokes.  We like explaining puzzles so they can share in the solution.  It is fun letting other people in on knowledge.

Jesus tells His disciples that a lamp isn’t made to have its light contained.  He says that hidden things are hidden so they may be made known.  He also says that things are made secret so they can be brought into the light.

These are interesting words for Mark to put immediately after the parable of the sower.  We just heard Jesus teaching that parables allow Him to see who is really interested in what He is teaching.  The parables aren’t meant to keep people in the dark; they are meant to inspire curiosity and promote conversation.  On the heels of this teaching, Jesus tells His disciples that secrets are meant to be told and hidden things are meant to be revealed.

Jesus is reinforcing the perspective He shared with His disciples about parables.  Jesus isn’t trying to create a secret club of insiders.  Secrets are meant to be told.  Hidden things are meant to be shared.  Jesus’ teachings are designed to be passed out to anyone who is interested in learning them.  Jesus’ teachings often feel like secrets so when an interested person comes along, they can be openly shared!

As if to make this point again, Jesus tells His disciples that if anyone has ears to hear, then let them hear.  In other words, anyone who has the capacity to hear and the willingness to listen is welcome to understand and be a part of those who know.  Jesus doesn’t indicate only His most important disciples can listen.  Jesus doesn’t indicate only His hand-picked inner circle can know God’s truth.  Jesus says that anyone with hears who has a willingness to listen can hear the truth of God.

The Word of God isn’t meant to be a secret kept between a select few.  Jesus, and likewise His followers, are meant to grant access to anyone who wants the Word.  Our methods may vary.  We may even use parables like Jesus to see who truly is interested in learning deeply.  In the end, though, anyone who shows interest in hearing what God has to say to them is welcome to hear God’s Word.

Secrets are meant to be shared.