“Now no one after lighting a lamp covers it over with a container, or puts it under a bed; but he puts it on a lampstand, so that those who come in may see the light. 17 For nothing is hidden that will not become evident, nor anything secret that will not be known and come to light. 18 So take care how you listen; for whoever has, to him more shall be given; and whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has shall be taken away from him.” — Luke 8:16-18, NASB

Appearing in each of the synoptic gospels, the parable of the lamp emphasizes the responsibility of the Christian to reflect God’s truth in their life so that others may experience it. In Matthew the analogy appears during the Sermon on the Mount, in which Christ outlines the characteristics of true believers. In Luke and Mark it follows the parable of the sower, where Jesus describes the type of person capable of receiving and flourishing in His word.

Jesus calls on believers to be salt and light. Both of these symbols speak to the positive spiritual qualities that true Christians possess and should display. Salt serves as a nutrient and preservative, as believers exert a beneficial, stabilizing influence on the world, displaying a degree of righteousness and offsetting to some extent the evil and moral decay around them. The example of believers as light shows that the Christian is to radiate godly qualities and the truth of His word, to glorify the Almighty and so that others may see and take heed.

Symbolic of the gospel truth, light is the means through which men are saved. To be an effective lamp or vessel of that truth, Christians must set the example though a changed life. Lamps are lit for the practical purpose of giving light so that things may be seen, so it would be pointless for one to cover light unless their aim is to keep something obscured. Just as light illuminates a room, God’s truth reveals the condition of one’s heart. If one’s faith is false, there is no hiding that fact from God.
Christians are to let their light shine so that all things may be viewed in comparison to God’s holy word and standard. Believers however are not to pass judgment in the process of setting His example and sharing the message of salvation; they are simply to let the light shine. God alone will allow others’ hearts to receive or deny it according to His will, and will judge accordingly.

In Matthew 5:16, Jesus does not instruct followers to “make” their light shine, but rather to let it shine, a distinction that reminds believers that spiritual light is not of themselves but of God. The lives and works of the faithful are merely a conduit through which He imparts His truth.

Unfortunately there are many things which can keep a Christian from letting his light shine. The influence of worldly, sinful pursuits can distract a believer and cause him to neglect his responsibility and faithfulness to God’s kingdom. This danger is exemplified by the rocky soil in the parable of the sower and serves as an obstacle not only to providing light for others, but receiving the true faith needed for one’s own salvation in the first place. Believers have to come to Christ to receive His light, and must be diligent in preserving it.

The passage concludes with an exhortation to “take care how you listen.” We must make sure that we listen obediently, with an open heart and full recognition that it is God’s truth that we are receiving. The importance of good spiritual stewardship, as echoed in the parables of the talents, minas and unfaithful servant, is likewise emphasized here. If we listen carefully we will have understanding. The more we understand, the more truth we will be able to discern and the more knowledge we will be given. If we do not listen carefully, there can be no understanding, no true faith, and no salvation. Going back again the parable of the sower, we see that the potential for seed to take root depends on the condition of the soil, just as the ability for light to shine depends on the condition of the lamp.

As Christians, if we are to be the “light of the world” by allowing God’s truth to flow into the world through us, we must be attentive and obedient to His word, continuously strive to mature in faith, and leverage our spiritual blessings to His glory. The lamp should be filled and positioned so that all can benefit from its light. May the Lord use us to open the hearts of the unsaved, that they may receive His promise of eternal life.

Image:
Luyken, Jan (1649-1712); The Candle; Medhurst, Phillip (attribution)