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Observe here, 1. Our Saviour's doctrine.
2. The inference which he draws from it by way of application.
The doctrine delivered is this, That Christians in general and the ministers of the gospel in particular, are the light of the world.
But how? Not originally, but derivatively; not efficiently, but instrumentally, Christ himself is the light if the world by way of original, his ministers are lights by way of derivation, and participation from him.
Farther, Christ teaches them the end why he communicated light unto them, namely, to enlighten, direct, and quicken others: even as the sun in the firmament, and a candle in the house, diffuses and disperses its light to all that are within reach of it; so should all Christians, and particularly Christ's ministers, by the light of life and doctrine, direct people in their way towards heaven.
Observe, 2. The inference which our Saviour draws from the foregoing doctrine, ye are the light of the world, therefore let your light shine before men.
Where, note 1. That our good works must shine, but not blaze; all vain glory and ostentation must be avoided in the good works we do.
2. Although we must abound in good works that men may see them, yet not to be seen of men.
3. That the glorifying of God, and doing good to mankind, must be the great end we propound in all the good works which we perform.