Comparative Characterization in the Sermon on the Mount by Lawrence Arren Bennet;

Author:Lawrence, Arren Bennet; [Lawrence, Arren Bennet]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781532613524
Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers
Published: 2017-04-10T07:00:00+00:00

5.4.2 You are the Light of the World

In 5:14–16, Jesus describes the ideal disciple as light saying, “You are the light of the World,” ὑμεῖς ἐστε τὸ φῶς τοῦ κόσμου. This teaching on light is also characterized in two fronts: 1. the essence of light; and 2. the utility of light. It is obvious that the whole world would not function without light. That is how important this metaphor is and thus, that is how important the presence of the ideal disciple is in this world.

In addition, Jesus continues to say, “A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor 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,” οὐ δύναται πόλις κρυβῆναι ἐπάνω ὄρους κειμένη· οὐδὲ καίουσιν λύχνον καὶ τιθέασιν αὐτὸν ὑπὸ τὸν μόδιον ἀλλ᾽ ἐπὶ τὴν λυχνίαν, καὶ λάμπει πᾶσιν τοῖς ἐν τῇ οἰκίᾳ (5:14b–15). Through this analogy, Jesus identifies that light should be treated as light.477 It should not be lit and placed under a basket. Because, the light placed under a basket will die (be put off) and will not be useful either (5:15a). Rather, the light should be placed up, on the lampstand, so that it can burn, and be light, and give light. As salt needs to be salty light also needs to be light.

This analogy invokes an active participation from the disciple to be light. This is shown by the active verbs used in the analogy which show that the light should not be “put” under the basket, τιθέασιν αὐτὸν ὑπὸ τὸν μόδιον (5:15), but should be “put” on the lampstand ἀλλ᾽ τιθέασιν ἐπὶ τὴν λυχνίαν (5:15), so that “it gives light to all who are in the house.” By the active participation, light remains being light by the same time it is also useful to others in the house.478 Thus, the ideal disciple should be actively pursuing on being a disciple.

How could this disciple be of use to the others? Should he do some good works? Not by the good works. The ideal disciple is of use to the others by him being an example of the disciple. This concept is unique only to Matt 5:13–16. In other passages in the bible, the disciple is exhorted to be helpful to the others by doing good works or by spreading the Gospel. However, in 5:13–16, he is exhorted to be an example of the disciple, to be an example of the follower of Christ. Jesus says,“ . . . light shine(s) before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven,” λαμψάτω τὸ φῶς ὑμῶν ἔμπροσθεν τῶν ἀνθρώπων, ὅπως ἴδωσιν ὑμῶν τὰ καλὰ ἔργα καὶ δοξάσωσιν τὸν πατέρα ὑμῶν τὸν ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς (5:16). As the light shines before men, the disciple must be a disciple by showcasing the characteristic features of the disciples, (ὑμῶν τὰ καλὰ ἔργα, your good works, 5:16), so that the others will glorify the Father in heaven.

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