Matthew 5:15

Wednesday, 20 November 2024

Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Matthew 5:15

“Nor do they ignite a lamp and place it under the modius but upon the lampstand. And it radiates all those in the house” (CG).

In the previous verse, Jesus told the disciples that they were the light of the world and that a city atop a hill cannot be hidden. Now, He continues with, “Nor do they ignite a lamp.”

The word translated as lamp, luchnos, signifies an oil-fed lamp. Some older versions say “candle,” which is a faulty translation. Candles were not used at this time. Various oils could be used to light such a lamp, but in Israel olive oil is a common and readily obtained source. With such a lamp, nobody would light it “and place it under the modius.”

This is a transliteration of the word modios, a Latin word signifying a certain measure for dry things. Of the modius, a Google search says –

“The modius was a unit of measurement used in ancient Rome to measure dry or solid commodities, such as grain, and sometimes liquids. It was roughly equivalent to a peck, or about 8.73 liters. In the first century AD, adult male citizens were given five modii of grain per month, while slaves were given four. The modius was also used to measure land, but the exact amount of land represented by a modius is uncertain.”

Further, a modius was also a circular headdress that resembled the measure of grain, and figures wearing it are found in ancient depictions. Next, Jesus continues with, “but upon the lampstand.”

The word translated as lampstand is luchnia. Lampstand is a direct translation. It will be seen four times in the gospels, once in Hebrews, and seven times in Revelation 1 & 2. The lampstand would be an elevated stand of some sort where the lamp would be placed, thus providing maximum illumination, which is seen in the final words of the verse, “And it radiates all those in the house.”

This would be the point of lighting a lamp in the first place. It would make no sense to place a lamp under something, hiding its light. Rather, it is lit to reveal the area in which it is placed, even to the darker recesses.

As this is so, Jesus will explain the metaphor to His disciples next, but the meaning should be easily understood already.

Life application: Jesus’ words bring things down to the basic, common-sense level for people to both understand His intent and to also remember what He is instructing as they go through everyday life. A lamp of some sort is something pretty much everyone uses. The way it is used is almost universally understood as well.

When one of the disciples was having a bad day, not getting anyone to listen to his message, he might come in tired and frustrated and think, “I am getting nowhere.” However, when he went in and lit a lamp for the evening, he might then think, “My job is to illuminate. That is why I have been sent.”

A simple reminder that his job is doing what he had been doing all day. The results of his efforts did make a difference, even if he did not perceive it. Jesus tells us what to do. The epistles further define the words of Jesus, at times clarifying the difference between pre- and post-resurrection instruction. But the point is, we have the manual set before us.

What we need to do is apply it to our lives and not think of great things for ourselves. If we are doing our jobs, that is sufficient. Obedience to the word with minimal results is far better than not rightly applying the word and having great “success” by the world’s standards.

How wonderful it is, O God, to be right with You, doing our jobs as You have instructed. Even if we don’t have popularity or fame at this time, obedience to Your word is far better than many riches. Help us have this attitude and serve You, and our hearts will be faithfully set on You. Amen.