The Sermon On the Mount
Matthew, Chapter 5
Part IX
Matthew 5:14-16) Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
John 1:4) In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
John 1:8-9) He was not that Light, but [was sent] to bear witness of that Light.
9) [That] was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
John 3:18-19) He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
19) And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
John 8:12) Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
John 9:5) As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.
John 12:35-36) Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.
36) While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them.
In regards to “Ye are the light of the world,”
“It is pre-eminently applied to Jesus in these places, because he is, in the moral world, what the sun is in the natural world. The apostles, Christian ministers, and all Christians, are lights of the world, because they, by their instructions and example, show what God requires, what is the condition of man, what is the way of duty, peace, and happiness the way that leads to heaven” [Barnes].
“That is, the instruments which God chooses to make use of to illuminate the minds of men” [Clarke].
Concerning “A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid,”
“Anciently cities, for the sake of defense, were placed on hills. Such cities are seen from afar. So must the church give forth its light” [PNT].
(MSG) “Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on hill.
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.
(GNB) No one lights a lamp and puts it under a bowl; instead it is put on the lampstand, where it gives light for everyone in the house.
(MSG) If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand.
16) Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
(GNB) In the same way your light must shine before people, so that they will see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven.
(MSG) Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand–shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.
Philippians 2:15) Go out into the world uncorrupted, a breath of fresh air in this squalid and polluted society. Provide people with a glimpse of good living and of the living God. Carry the light-giving Message into the night (MSG).
John 11:9-10) Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world.
10) But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.
Ephsians 2:10) For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Regarding “good works,”
Mat_5:16; Act_9:36; 2Co_9:8; Col_1:10; 2Th_2:17; 1Ti_2:10, 1Ti_5:10, 1Ti_5:25; 1Ti_6:18; 2Ti_2:21, 2Ti_3:17; Tit_2:7, Tit_2:14, Tit_3:1, Tit_3:8, Tit_3:14; Heb_10:24, Heb_13:21; 1Pe_2:12 [Cross Reference Verses].
NOTE: Jesus has set us on a lamp stand on a hill so that our light will be visible to all. He wants us to be full of “good works” so that others will see what we do and glorify Him. We must walk the gospel as well as talk the gospel.