PARABLE OF THE LAMP (Study Manual)

Topic: PARABLE OF THE LAMP

Text: Matthew 5:13-16, Mark 4:21-25

Memory Verse: Matthew. 5:16

(Note: Every question that speaks of salt applies to light as well) 

A. INTRODUCTION

In Jesus' day, lamps were made from clay. They were simple, with a reservoir for the olive oil and a "nozzle" on which the flax wick would rest. Household lamps were small enough to be carried in the palm of the hand. The lamp which Jesus was probably most familiar with was the "Herodian" lamp, made on a potter's wheel of thin, light-brown clay, distinguished from later lamp models by its downward-sloping wick nozzle.

The point of the parable is simple. When it was dark enough to light a lamp, you'd set it high enough to illuminate everything around --- on a shelf in the stone wall of your home or on a wooden lampstand in the center of the room, allowing 360 degree illumination.

B. DISCUSSION

1. a  In your mere understanding, what is light/salt?

1. b. What is the literal purpose or function of a light/salt?

2. From the following scriptures, what does light signifies?

a. God's word: Ps. 119:105

b. Jesus: Matt 4:16, Jn 8:12

c. We & Our works: Mtt. 5:14-16

3 What is the correlation between the above verses in Q2. a, b & c?

4. What does it mean to place your lamp on a hill top/table so as to shine?

5. In what ways are Christians these days place their lights under the bushel? (Losing their savor as salt)

Ps. 1:1-2, Jos. 1:8, Mtt. 26:41, Ps. 119:11

C. CONCLUSION

Throughout the Bible, light is used as an object lesson for many things, such as truth, holiness, the spiritual life in Christ, the gospel message, and Jesus Himself. Jesus’ point is clear: Those who have received the light of the gospel are not to conceal it; rather they are to let it shine through them for others to see. He does not want you to hide what He has done in your life. Since we have received the gospel we are to live it openly and share it with others through how we live and what we say. “You are the light of the world – like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden." May the Lord grant us grace to live as lights in Jesus name.