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Luke 8:16
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14 Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, ariches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity.  
15 But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with apatience.  

The Parable of the Revealed Light

16 a“No one, when he has lit a lamp, covers it with a vessel or puts it under a bed, but sets it on a lampstand, that those who enter may see the blight.  
17 aFor nothing is secret that will not be brevealed, nor anything hidden that will not be known and come to light.  
18 Therefore take heed how you hear. aFor whoever has, to him more will be given; and whoever does not have, even what he1 seems to bhave will be taken from him.”  

Jesus’ Mother and Brothers Come to Him

19 aThen His mother and brothers came to Him, and could not approach Him because of the crowd.  
20 And it was told Him by some, who said, “Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, desiring to see You.”
Commentaries:
Forerunner Commentary
What is the Forerunner Commentary?
<< Luke 8:15   Luke 8:17 >>

What Does Luke 8:16 Mean?



Luke 8:16-17

In the Parable of the Light recorded in Matthew 5:14-16 (found also in Mark 4:21; Luke 8:16-17; 11:33-36), Jesus Christ uses two figures of speech to express the responsibility of true Christians to influence the world: "a city . . . on a hill" and "a lamp . . . on a lampstand."

Many Judean cities were founded on the summits or sides of mountains, and travelers could see them from afar. Perhaps Jesus pointed to such a city, telling His disciples that they were like it. The city built on an important location can be seen by many eyes over a wide area, representing a disciple's far-ranging and widespread exposure to others.

Jesus' illustration of a shining lamp illuminating the home suggests a disciple's more intimate influence. By design, a Christian's actions cannot be hidden from the eyes of either our families or the world at large. This being the case, he must live a righteous, holy, humble, and pure life, letting his "light so shine before men [and thus] . . . glorify your Father in heaven."

Martin G. Collins
Parable of the Light



Luke 8:16

"Lamp" (NKJ) or "candle" (KJV) means any portable light, as a lamp, candle, or lantern. Jesus shows the disciples that He had enlightened them so that others might also see the light and benefit from it. When a person lights a lamp, he does not conceal the light but places it where it may be of use. So it is with God's way of life and those who follow it. God gives His truth to us to benefit others. It should not be concealed but show itself in stark contrast to the wicked world, thereby exposing and instructing it. If a light is concealed, as under a basket, no one benefits from it. However, considerate people place a lamp so that its benefits reach all who are in the house.

Martin G. Collins
Parable of the Light




Other Forerunner Commentary entries containing Luke 8:16:

Matthew 5:14-16
Mark 4:21
Luke 8:16-17
Luke 11:33-36
Luke 12:1-7


 
<< Luke 8:15   Luke 8:17 >>

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