I don’t know if there’s a worthwhile lesson here or not, and I’m aware that there are differences of various kinds among the three synoptic gospels, Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Still this little paragraph from Mark gave me pause:

And He was saying to them, “Is a lamp brought to be put under a basket or under a bed? Is it not to be put on the lampstand? For nothing is hidden, except to be revealed; nor has anything been secret, but that it would come to light. If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.” And He was saying to them, “Beware what you listen to. By your standard of measure it will be measured to you, and more will be given to you. For whoever has, to him more shall be given; and whoever does not have, even what he has shall be taken away from him.” (Mark 4.21 – 25, LSB)

As I read it, I said to myself, wow, that’s not a very coherent paragraph. I’ve read all those things before, but not in one place! Let’s look again:

• Verse 21 And He was saying to them, “Is a lamp brought to be put under a basket or under a bed? Is it not to be put on the lampstand?”  (Compare Matthew 5.15)

• Verse 22 For nothing is hidden, except to be revealed; nor has anything been secret, but that it would come to light. (Compare Matthew 10.26)

• Verse 23 If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.  (Compare Matthew 11.15 and 13.9)

• Verse 24 By your standard of measure it will be measured to you, and more will be given to you. (Compare Matthew 7.2)

• Verse 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.” (Compare Matthew 13.12)

We know that Matthew was a tax collector, who for all his faults (“tax collectors and sinners”) was probably very organized and methodical. On the other hand, people who know about these things tell us that Mark’s Gospel reflects Peter’s perspective. And maybe this random collection of Jesus’ teachings from Mark’s Gospel illustrates how Peter and some people listen. Disjointedly. Some of us who are speakers work very hard to prepare well-organized presentations, but some people apparently hear in snippets.

As I say, I’m not sure what the lessons are. Maybe as a speaker, I should be sure not to be too subtle. Don’t assume people will hear and retain the fine points of an argument. Do make sure each sentence makes sense even if people remember some of them out of order. Like Jesus, keep saying the same things. In the language of the parable of the sower, keep sowing seed.

Is it too much to expect listeners to listen? Even this text contains a warning in verse 24, translated sometimes as “Pay attention to what you hear.”

Not only was the Teacher wise, but he also imparted knowledge to the people. He pondered and searched out and set in order many proverbs. The Teacher searched to find just the right words, and what he wrote was upright and true. (Ecclesiastes 12.9 – 10, NIV)

About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. (Hebrews 5.11, ESV)