Parables of Jesus: The Candlestick

Matthew 5:14–16 KJV 1900

14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 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. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Mark 4:21–22 KJV 1900

21 And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick? 22 For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.

Conversation:

Questions:

Verse 14

What are we? Light

Why are we called light?

Why can a city on a hill not be hid?

Verse 15

How do we hid our light?

Verse 16

What is the purpose of our light?

Everyone can see your good WORKS!

What is wrong with good works?

Catholic church based salvation on works… impossible and wrong.

“works” are a product of salvation!

1 Peter 2:12 KJV 1900

12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

What is the test of good works vs bad works?

Who gets the glory? Me or God!

Mark adds a dimension:

Mark 4:22 KJV 1900

22 For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.

Mark 4:22 The Message

22 We’re not keeping secrets, we’re telling them; we’re not hiding things, we’re bringing them out into the open.

Old saying; “Shining a light on the subject”!

Next week: Mat 7:1-6 - the speck and the log in the eye