A Lamp on a Stand

by LA UBF   02/21/2015     0 reads

Question

A Lamp on a Stand

Luke 8:16-21

Key Verse 16

“No one lights a lamp and hides it in a clay jar or puts it under a bed.

Instead, they put it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light.”

1. Read verse 16. Where does someone put a lighted lamp? Why should a lighted lamp be put on a stand? What might a lighted lamp represent? (16, John 3:19-21, 1 John 1:5-7)

2. Read verses 17, 18. What will happen to hidden things? How do you think this applies to your life? Why should we carefully listen? (18) What do you think can make it difficult for you to listen to God’s word?

3. Read verses 19 - 21. Who comes to see Jesus? (19, 20) What does Jesus say about who his family is? (21) What can we learn from how Jesus defines a spiritual family? (1 Peter 1:23, 2 Corinthians 5:17, 1 Timothy 3:15) What does it mean to you to be a part of Jesus’ family?

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Message

Those who come in can see the light

Luke 8:16-21

Key verse 8:16

““No one lights a lamp and hides it in a clay jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, they put it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light.”

In the previous passage Jesus taught the secrets of the kingdom of God. The secrets is the word of God. The kingdom of God is created as one hears the word of God and retains it and perseveres to the end. Then the word of God produces the kingdom of God. Jesus explained the word of God as seed. But he did not explain what happens to the word of God itself when a man hears it and retains it and perseveres. He did not tell what the word of God does in the heart of men in detail. Indeed to bring the kingdom of God through God’s word is invisible and mysterious work of God.

So today we want to know what happens to the word of God itself when a man of noble and good heart hears it, retains it, and perseveres. How does the word of God itself produce the kingdom of God in man’s heart? That is the question we want to think about today, and today’s passage gives the answer.

Part I. Therefore consider carefully how you listen (v.16-19)

Part II. My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice (v.20-21)

Part I. Therefore consider carefully how you listen (v.16-19)

Look at verse 16.

“No one lights a lamp and hides it in a clay jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, they put it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light.” 

This teaching is very plain. Who does not know if a man lights a lamp he does not hide it but puts it on a stand so that those who come in can see the light?

But why does Jesus say such a simple thing? He did it because he wants to reveal deep secrets of the kingdom of God in a simple way.

Now what can ‘the lamp’ refer to? Spiritually speaking, the lamp can stand for people like Jesus’ disciples. Now what does ‘the light’ stand for? “The light” can refer to ‘the light of the word of God’. And who lights the lamp? Who enlightens the word of God? God. So as one hears the word of God, accepts it, and perseveres, God lights the word in his heart.

Then the man suddenly sees that the word of God begins to shed deep spiritual light, and he will be able to see things under the wonderful light. He will say, “Wow! I never knew it. I never saw it.”

Most of all, the expression, “those who come in can see the light” is significant. Figuratively speaking, it may refer to those who enter into the Holy Place in the temple of God in the old testament period. When priests come into the Holy Place they can see the light from the golden lamp-stand during the night. As the night deepens, the brightness of the golden lamp light becomes greater. And indeed they see the light, the light from the golden lamp-stand when they come in. Before they come into the chamber, they cannot see the light. God’s secret room is the place where we can see the light of the word of God.

What does the word of God reveal when it is illuminated by the Holy Spirit? The word of God reveals Jesus.

It is true that God revealed Jesus through his word. John 17:7-8 reads, “7 Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. 8 For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me.”

Jesus revealed himself by giving the word of God to his disciples. When they accepted the words of God they could know with certainty that Jesus came from God, and God sent Jesus. When they heard the word of God and retained it, and persevered they could see Jesus who came from the Father and entered the world.

Indeed the word of God reveals Jesus as the man of noble and good heart hears the word, retains it, and perseveres.

And the Bible says Jesus is the light.

John 1:9 says, “The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.”

Jesus himself declared in John 8:12b “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

But the question is ‘how can we see Jesus, who is the light?’ Bible says ‘through the revelation of the word of God”. Here it is expressed as “those who come in can see the light.” Therefore to come into the room where God lights the word of God, where the word of God sheds spiritual light, is the key.

How can we enter into the room? By hearing the word with noble and good heart and retaining it and persevering. That is the way to come into the room where God lights the word of God.

2 Peter 1:19 says the same truth. “19 We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.”

When a man pays attention to the word of God until the day dawns and the morning star rises in his heart he will see the light of the word of God. The revelation of the word of God will lead him to see the true light, Jesus.

Surely, the kingdom of God will come in the hearts of men when they come into a room where the word of God is shining in its light.

Jesus’ disciples come into the room where Jesus lights the lamp when they hear the word of God, retain it, and persevere. But other people can also come into the secret chamber of God when they hear the word of God from Jesus’ disciples and retain it and perseveres to the end. God’s secret room where people can see the light of the word of God and experience the kingdom of God calls for those who are ready to hear the word of God with their whole heart.

The word of God also reveals every hidden and concealed things. Look at verse 17.

17 For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open. 

Jesus used this verse to explain why those who come in can see the light. Why can they see it? It is because there will be no secrets.

What is the hidden and concealed things? They are the secrets of the kingdom of God. They are Jesus himself who is the suffering Messiah who will be raised on the third day. So far Jesus and his gospel and the kingdom of God have been hidden and concealed as secrets and mysteries. But now Jesus came, and he fully explained the secrets of the kingdom of God. So they are not secrets anymore. They are not hidden or concealed. They are brought out to open, and they are known to everyone who truly hears what Jesus says.

The truth is that the word of God reveals all other hidden and concealed things. Look at Hebrews 4:12-13.

“12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”

The last sentence says, “Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”

Do you know what it means? It means there is God’s judgment, and we cannot hide anything. Since we cannot hide anything, and we will be judged by God what should we do? We should live in the sight of God, and we should invest our lives in order to be rich in the sight of God.

Jesus said in Matthew 6:19-20 “19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.”

Look at Hebrews 4:12 again. “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

The word of God is alive and active. It is the word of the living God. So it is alive and active. It is so sharp that it penetrates even to diving soul and spirit, joint, and marrow. It even judges the thoughts and attitude of our hearts. Did you know your heart has attitude?

The deep things of us such as what is in our soul and spirit and the attitude of our hearts can be hidden and concealed that we may not know what is there. Even if we want to repent we may not be able to know what to repent. But as we hear the word of God with noble and good heart, retain it, and persevere, the word of God with its light will show what is there in our deep heart. Then we can repent our hidden and concealed sins.

That is how the word of God which is alive and active can create the kingdom of God in our hearts.

The word of God, illuminated by the Holy Spirit, also reveals the ultimate destination of men.

Look at 2 Timothy 4:1-2.

“In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: 2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.”

In the end, the ultimate picture we see is God, Jesus Christ who will appear with his kingdom and judge the living and the dead. This is our ultimate future.

In view of Jesus appearing with his kingdom, Apostle Paul asked Timothy to preach the word, be prepared in season and out of season. Most of all he encouraged Timothy to be ready to meet Christ Jesus who will appear with his kingdom.

He helped Timothy to live in the sight of Jesus because Jesus will surely come again. Timothy will surely see Jesus face to face. So it would be better for Timothy to hear from Jesus, “Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you have been faithful to preach the word, now join in my happiness.”

Look at verse 18.

18 Therefore consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they think they have will be taken from them.”

Here the word ‘listen’ has the same root of the word ‘hear.’ So we can say, “Consider carefully how you hear. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they think they have will be taken from them.”

Jesus teaches that if we have a right attitude about hearing the word of God, we can receive more revelation from the word of God. If not, we will lose even what we think we have.

The word of God will be taken away from those who do not pay attention to the word of God. What will happen to them? They will not have the kingdom of God. They will live in the kingdom of the devil. Those who are so stingy that they do not want to spend their time to hear the word of God carefully because they are so busy with many other things will be shocked to see that all the word of God they think they have will be taken from them, and they will be in torment of hell in the kingdom of the devil.

Part II. Jesus honors those who hear the word of God and put it into practice. (v.19-20)

Look at verses 19-20.

19 Now Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see him, but they were not able to get near him because of the crowd. 20 Someone told him, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you.” 21 He replied, “My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice.”

Here Jesus does not mean we should ignore our parents. What Jesus teaches here is that the close relationship with Jesus does not depend on blood relationship or the length of attending a church or anything else but on hearing the word of God and putting it into practice.

Look at John 14:21-23.

“21 Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.” 22 Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, “But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?” 23 Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.”

Jesus said if one loves him by obeying his teaching the Father and he will love that person, and they will come to him and make their home with him. What does it mean? Those who love Jesus by obeying his word become family members of Jesus and the Father. We know our family members have a special relationship among them.

In the same way those who hear the word of God and obey it will enjoy such an intimate and privileged relationship with Jesus. What a wonderful blessing we have if we hear the word of God and put it into practice. To be a family member of Jesus means to have the kingdom of God in one’s heart.

Jesus had already taught the importance of putting his word into practice.

Look at Luke 6:46-49.

46 “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? 47 As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. 48 They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. 49 But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.”

In conclusion, what happens to the word of God when a man of noble and good heart hears it, retains it and perseveres? When he does it, God lights the word of God. Then he can see Jesus who is the true light. He can see what is hidden in his deep heart and soul and repent. He can see what is final destiny of men. He can see Jesus appearing with his kingdom to judge the living and the dead, and he will preach the word so that those who come in, those who consider what he preaches carefully, will also see the light and be saved.

This is what happens to the word of God when a man hears it with noble and good heart and retains it and perseveres. This is how the kingdom of God comes to him through the word of God. This is how the kingdom of God comes to others who hear the word of God he preaches carefully.

When a man hears the word of God and obeys it he will have such an intimate and close relationship with Jesus as his family members.

One word: Those who come in can see the light

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Biblenote

A Lamp on a Stand

Luke 8:16-21

Key Verse 16

“No one lights a lamp and hides it in a clay jar or puts it under a bed.

Instead, they put it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light.”

Introduction:

In the previous passage we learned that the word of God has great potential to bear fruit up to 100 times. Thus, all we have to do is to have the right attitude toward the word. That being said, today's passage shows us how to apply the word of God. May the Lord help us to grow in Jesus Christ.

1. Read verse 16. Where does someone put a lighted lamp? Why should a lighted lamp be put on a stand? What might a lighted lamp represent? (16, John 3:19-21, 1 John 1:5-7)

1-1, Read verse 16.

16 “No one lights a lamp and hides it in a clay jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, they put it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light.

1-2, Where does someone put a lighted lamp?

  • on a stand

1-3, Why should a lighted lamp be put on a stand?

  • so that those who came in can see the light

  • "No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden, or under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, so that those who come in may see the light.” (Luke 11:33)

1-4, What might a lighted lamp represent? (16, John 3:19-21, 1 John 1:5-7)

  • “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

  • The "lamp" is the word of Jesus(Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path (Psalm 119:105). Jesus' word is Jesus himself (Revelation 19:13), and it is the good news of the kingdom of God. When Jesus comes into our hearts, he restores God's reign in us.

    • Without Jesus, we are ruled by the power of sin and death. But Jesus drives out these powers and reigns over us with mercy and love.

    • In the previous passage, Jesus had already demonstrated his authority to forgive sins by healing a paralytic and a centurion’s servant. Jesus had already demonstrated his authority over death by raising a widow's son back to life.

    • Jesus restores the kingdom of God. Those who repent and believe the good news receive the kingdom of God in their hearts.

  • In the beginning, God also created light to separate the light from the darkness.

    • Genesis 1:2-3 read, “Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. 3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 4 God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness.”

    • Unless the Word of God reveals it to us, we have no knowledge of our own origin and our Creator God. The Word of God shines a divine light to us. The knowledge of the Holy Scriptures shines light to help us to overcome uncertainty and boundless godlessness.

  • 2 Corinthians 4:6 reads, “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.”

    • So we are eager to study with wandering souls on campus to have them come to this knowledge about who they are, from where they came, and to where they are going.

  • In particular, studying the books of Genesis and John are of paramount importance.

    • John 1:1-5 read, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

  • In our times, all kinds of dark powers make young people conform to the world's norms or fads. It seems to be hopeless. However, Jesus says in John 3:19-21,

    • This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.

    • The darkness hates and resists the light. God sent Jesus to shine his light into this dark world. Jesus' light drives out the darkness and brings the kingdom of God.

    • After the Fall, people neither glorified God as God nor gave thanks to Him. Their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. But God so loved the world that He sent His only Son to be the Light of the world.

    • Jesus also wants to shine his light through us. So we must not hide the gospel in fear and shame, but shine the gospel with boldness and courage.

  • 1 John 1:5-7 read, This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6 If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

  • There is a song: "This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine; this little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine; let it shine, let it shine, let it shine." (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M365K9nG520)

2. Read verses 17, 18. What will happen to hidden things? How do you think this applies to your life? Why should we carefully listen? (18) What do you think can make it difficult for you to listen to God’s word?

2-1, Read verses 17, 18.

17 For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open. 18 Therefore consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they think they have will be taken from them.”

2-2, What will happen to hidden things?

  • For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open.

  • Jesus promises us that the gospel truth wins final victory in the end. All darkness will be exposed and driven out by the Light of the world, Jesus Christ.

2-3, How do you think this applies to your life?

2-4, Why should we carefully listen? (18)

  • "Therefore consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken from him."

  • This is a warning for those who have a poor attitude toward the word of God.

    • In the book of Genesis, there are many examples in great contrast between those(the people who built up a tower of Babel, Lot, Esau) who have poor attitude toward the word of God and those(Noah, Abraham, Isaac) who have right attitude toward the word of God.

  • The source of our power is Jesus' word. We can have real power when we listen to his word and accept it in our hearts. The victory is won by the power of the word of Jesus in our hearts. So Jesus taught us to consider carefully how we listen.

2-5, What do you think can make it difficult for you to listen to God’s word?

  • We live in an information age with countless distractions. We tend to move from one thing to the next very quickly. However, we must not listen to the word of God in that way. To listen to the word of God properly requires concentration and devotion.

  • We must regard the word as the most important thing to us and allow it to occupy our minds and hearts, and sink deeply into our being (hear, retain, and persevere in v 15).

3. Read verses 19 - 21. Who comes to see Jesus? (19, 20) What does Jesus say about who his family is? (21) What can we learn from how Jesus defines a spiritual family? (1 Peter 1:23, 2 Corinthians 5:17, 1 Timothy 3:15) What does it mean to you to be a part of Jesus’ family?

3-1, Read verses 19 - 21.

19 Now Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see him, but they were not able to get near him because of the crowd. 20 Someone told him, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you.”

21 He replied, “My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice.”

3-2, Who comes to see Jesus? (19, 20)

  • Jesus’ mother and brothers

  • 46 While Jesus was still talking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to him. 47 Someone told him, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.” 48 He replied to him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” 49 Pointing to his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. 50 For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” (Matthew 12:46-50)

  • 31 Then Jesus’ mother and brothers arrived. Standing outside, they sent someone in to call him. 32 A crowd was sitting around him, and they told him, “Your mother and brothers are outside looking for you.” 33 “Who are my mother and my brothers?” he asked. 34 Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! 35 Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.” (Mark 3:31-35)

3-3, What does Jesus say about who his family is? (21)

  • “My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice.”

  • The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. (John 1:9-12)

3-4, What can we learn from how Jesus defines a spiritual family? (1 Peter 1:23, 2 Corinthians 5:17, 1 Timothy 3:15)

  • Jesus prefered to be with those who were struggling to practice the word of God. Jesus emphasized that the word of God is most important and that the ministry of the word cannot be hindered for anything, even by family members.

  • In doing this, Jesus showed a good example in giving one's whole heart and attention to listening to the word of God. Only when we have this kind of commitment to God's word can we truly taste its spiritual depth.

  • We must acknowledge the limitations of our human family relationships. Though we love our family members dearly, if they do not accept the gospel, our relationship will be like dead end street for it will end at death. We cannot be together forever. The bottom line is that we must not exchange the eternal word of God for what perishes.

  • 1 Peter 1:23 reads, “For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.”

  • 2 Corinthians 5:17 reads, Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

  • Ephesians 2:19 reads, Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God's people and also members of his household,

  • 1 Timothy 3:15 reads, if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.

3-5, What does it mean to you to be a part of Jesus’ family?

  • After we became new creations in Jesus Christ, still there is a battle going on for our inner enemy continues to try to break our love relationship with Him. However, the Holy Spirit helps us.

  • For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again;rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. (Romans 8:14-17)

  • Also we have a good model in and through Abraham, a father of all nations. When he used to serve idols, God called him to leave his country and his household. Just as God commanded him, he obeyed and became a father of all nations.

  • Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. 17 As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.” He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not. (Romans 4:16-17)

  • “As for me, this is my covenant with you: You will be the father of many nations. 5 No longer will you be called Abram; your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations. 6 I will make you very fruitful; I will make nations of you, and kings will come from you. 7 I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you. 8 The whole land of Canaan, where you now reside as a foreigner, I will give as an everlasting possession to you and your descendants after you; and I will be their God.” (Genesis 17:4-8)

  • May the Lord help us to follow the footstep of Abraham so that we may be a part of God’s family and continue to be a source of blessing to bring others to Jesus’ family.

  • Also, Galatians 3:26-29 read, 26 So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, 27 for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

In conclusion:

Through this passage, we learn how important it is to hold onto the word of God. Also we are reminded of the great blessing to be a part of Jesus’ family. We are in the process of being sanctified so that our glorification comes at Jesus’ second coming. 1 John 3:1-3 says, “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. 3 All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.” May the Lord help us to grow in our personal faith by remaining in the word of Jesus.

One word: Those who hear God’s word and put it into practice!

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