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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadBob Utley You Can Understand the Bible - Matthew 5:14 - 5:16
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Mat_5:14-16
14"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; 15nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven."
Mat_5:14 "You are the light of the world" Light has always been a biblical metaphor of truth and healing. It was used by Jesus to describe Himself (cf. Joh_9:5). The question is not, "Will you be the light of the world?" As a believer, you are the light of the world (cf. Php_2:15). The only real question is, "What kind of light will you be?" All that some people know about God, they know from you and your life! "You" is plural and emphatic like Mat_5:13.
▣ "a city" This was a generic reference either to (1) the location of a city in plain view or (2) its white limestone which gleamed in the sun. Those who try to relate it to an eschatological Jerusalem are hard pressed to explain the absence of the definite article. Cities, like lights, are not designed or intended to be hidden.
Mat_5:15
NASB, NKJV "a basket"
NRSV "the bushel basket"
TEV "a bowl"
NJB "a tub"
This referred to an earthen pot used for measuring grain.
▣ "lampstand" There was a small protrusion from the wall in ancient Palestinian homes on which a small oil lamp was placed which gave light to the whole room (cf. Mar_4:21-22; Luk_8:16-17).
Mat_5:16 Believers'lifestyles must bring glory and honor to God (i.e., "sons of God" in Mat_5:9, cf. Eph_1:4; Eph_2:8-10). It is possible that the thrust of this verse related to the exclusivism and cloistering of groups like the Essenes. Believers must stay engaged with an evil society, but not become part of it (cf. Joh_17:15-18).
▣ "Father" The normal posture for Jewish prayer was standing with the eyes open and the head and arms lifted upward. They prayed as if in dialogue with God.
Jesus' use of the title Father to describe YHWH is one of the unique aspects of His teachings. Matthew records Jesus' use of the title for God over forty times.
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DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
This is a study guide commentary which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought provoking, not definitive.
1. To whom are these statements directed?
2. Can anyone meet these standards?
3. Why do Matthew and Luke record the same sermon differently?
4. Why are these statements so paradoxical?
5. How do the Beatitudes relate to each other?
6. What is the purpose of the Sermon on the Mount?
7. Write the central truth of each paragraph in your own words and then summarize the whole.
CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS TO VERSES Mat_5:17-48
A. To understand Mat_5:17-20 one must realize that Jesus rejected the Jewish oral tradition (Talmud) which attempted to interpret the written Old Testament. Jesus elevated the OT in strong and definitive statements (i.e., Mat_5:17-19), then showed Himself to be its true fulfillment and ultimate interpreter (i.e., Mat_5:21-48). This can be seen in the fact that Jesus used the phrase "you have heard" not "it is written." This is a powerful Christological passage, in light of the Jews'respect for the written and oral Law.
B. This section is not exhaustive of the misinterpretations of first century Judaism but representative. The entire sermon, Matthew 5-7, is an attitude check for humble believers and a pride killer for self-righteous legalists. Jesus placed the mind alongside the hand as the source of sin and rebellion against God's law. He addressed the inner man as well as the outer. Sin begins in the thought life.
C. God's standard of judgment is so different from man's (cf. Isa_55:8-9). Believers'righteousness is both an initial gift and a developing Christlikeness, both a forensic, legal position and a spirit directed progressive sanctification. This section focused on the latter.
D. If these verses were spoken in the historical context of modern conservative Christianity, we would all be shocked at how God views our religiosity!