When I was a child I built entire road systems, cities, and little country houses complete with underground parking in the middle of mom's flower beds. (Underground parking was NOT a good idea!). Later I learned how road systems were measured in MILES, cities were measured with construction DOLLARS, and all houses were measured in SQUARE FEET.
Measurement was becoming important.
Jesus talked about measurement in Mark 4. He did not talk about miles, dollars, or square feet. He talked out how to treat people. UNITS of measurement are important to Jesus.
He wants you to realize that the quantity of life given is measured. If you give someone a THIMBLE of help, care, or compassion, you should not expect to receive a TRUCKLOAD of help, care, or compassion when you need it. The UNIT of measurement you give is the SAME UNIT of measurement you can expect to receive.
So if I consider that someday I might need a gallon of help (and you will), I need to be helpful to others by the gallon, not the teaspoon.
When a family friend is incarcerated, what unit will you use with the family? When brothers in Christ are ill, what is the best unit to use? When any teacher is not 'connecting' with the class, how big of a cup of kindness should students use?
What unit did Jesus use:
- When Peter's mother-in-law was sick?
- When he cast out demons?
- With the withered hand man?
- When he said "Father, forgive them. They don't know what they are doing"?
- When he tried to correct the Pharisees?
- When he told Thomas to put his finger in Jesus' wounded hand?
- When he asked Peter three times "Do you love me?" ?
- When he told Paul, "My grace is sufficient for you."?
- When he died to forgive you?
What unit you use today can be determined by situations. Is kindness or criticism needed at work? How much love or correction will you use with your friends? Does your mate need gallons of love, or a 1/2 teaspoon of correction?
What unit do you need?