Matthew 5:15
"Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house."
In Matthew's account of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus shares the Parable of the Lamp on a Stand through two vivid metaphors:
• "You are the light of the world" — declaring His followers the source of spiritual light in a dark world.
• "A city set on a hill cannot be hidden" — just as a hilltop city (especially when lit at night) cannot be concealed, believers' lives and good works should be visible.
Jesus then stresses that light is meant to shine openly. No one lights a lamp only to hide it under a bushel (a grain basket). Likewise, believers should not conceal the spiritual light of their faith—expressed through good works, truth, and godly character.
Instead, let your light shine so others may see it, be guided by it, and ultimately glorify God (as Matthew 5:16 explains).
The image draws from everyday life in a simple home, where a single lamp illuminated the whole household. Hiding it would defeat its purpose—just as hiding one's faith defeats the purpose of discipleship.
Let your light shine.
Amen.
🙏
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