Pondering

Bible Stuff (For Christians interested in studying the Bible)

Matthew 5:14-16

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Jesus’ “sermon on the mount” is filled with essential Christian theology and doctrine—a manifesto of New Testament Christianity. A regular reading/studying of Matthew chapters 5-7 would certainly enrich both novices and trained theologians alike.

Matthew 5:1-2 tells us that upon seeing a multitude of people following Him, Jesus moves to a hill overlooking the northern coast of the Sea of Galilee. There He called His closest disciples to sit with Him, while the others surrounded them, and began to teach. The teachings were far-ranging: From the “Beatitudes” to the “you have heard it said…” and “but I say unto you…” clarifications of Old Testament teachings; from the “Lord’s Prayer” in 6:9-13 to the stark warning of 7:21-23.

Let’s look at 5:14-16—that followers of Jesus are collectively the “light of the world.”

First, the “you” to whom Jesus refers are His disciples, those who have given up their lives to follow Him, and not the merely the crowds that followed Him. It’s important to view the New Testament in this context; as guidance to the Church and not a moralizing laundry list for the lost.

Secondly, the “light of the world” analogy follows another Jesus makes in 5:13—that we, His disciples, are the “salt of the earth,” which provides important context. Jesus wants us to understand we are not only set apart from the world but transformed by Christ to influence the world for the kingdom of God. This is why we are called “ambassadors” for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20). We live in a foreign land (the secular world) as representatives of the kingdom of God.

Being a “light” also means to contrast the darkness, the humanistic nature of the world, by being like Jesus (1 John 2:6); for He is the Light of the world (John 8:12). This is not simply a moral contrast, but a life contrast that exhibits a peculiar and inviting hope, joy, peace, and love. This light also illuminates a path of salvation in Christ, a “lamp unto our feet, a light unto our path” (Psalm 119:105).

Lastly, we are cautioned by Jesus not to withhold this light, this influence, from the world around us. He refers to this suppression as “putting [the light] under a bowl.” In the time of Jesus, a typical home lamp was clay pot with a hole in the top (through which to add oil), and a spout (through which a wick emanated to light). It offered modest illumination, and putting it under a bowl would defeat its purpose entirely. Yet to this Jesus adds “Instead, put it on its stand, to give light to everyone in the house.” We are instructed to make sure the light of Christ in us is not simply evident, but elevated.

How is this accomplished?

If we are born-again, authentically transformed in Christ, the light of Christ inevitably exists. It therefore takes conscious effort to cover that light. From hiding our faith to fit in to denying our faith to avoid persecution, we can be tempted to be “friends” with the world—a condition strongly condemned in God’s word:

“You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore, whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God” (James 4:4).

Friendship or friend here (from the Greek philia), means to have an affection, a fondness, for the secular ways of the world. It doesn’t mean we can’t have unsaved friends, but that acquiescing to the philosophies of the world to get along with the world is, in essence, putting the light of Christ under a bowl. Again, an authentically born-again Christian would be made aware (convicted) of this by the Holy Spirit and therefore would have to purposely reject Christ.

But as we follow and grow in Christ, the light of His work will shine forth and our fearful propensity to hide that light will diminish. As the apostle Paul writes,

“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8)

As “new creatures” in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), we are now “children of light.” The lamp is lit, the oil is plentiful, and our responsibility is to let that light shine—to “live” (from the Greek peripateó), meaning, “to conduct oneself in accordance with our new identity.” This means walking with the Living Word (Christ) rooted in the written word (the Bible) and growing accordingly.

Yet notice something else important in Ephesians 5:8.

Paul writes that we were “once darkness,” not “once in darkness,” but actual darkness. Before Christ we were ignorant of Him, His ways, thus darkened in our beliefs, behaviors, identity, etc. When Christ came into our life, the lamp of truth was eternally lit—there is no more darkness! Now, by His grace and mercy, we “live” for Him; unapologetically, passionately, purposefully, lamps on lampstands.

As imperfect humans we will continue to make mistakes, sometimes even purposeful ones. But that light in us continues to affirm our identity in Christ and illuminate a path forward with Him. To be the light of the world, we need simply to walk with THE Light, Jesus Christ, and elevate Him in all ways, at all times.