How Does Your Light Shine? Series

Luke 1: 16 – 21

How Does Your Light Shine?

16 “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 light. 17 For nothing is secret that will not be revealed, nor anything hidden that will not be known and come to light. 18 Therefore take heed how you hear. For whoever has, to him more will be given; and whoever does not have, even what he seems to have will be taken from him.” 19 Then 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.” 21 But He answered and said to them, “My mother and My brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it.”

There were two other Gospels written before Luke wrote his Gospel. The Apostle Matthew and the disciple Mark recorded this same situation. So, let’s see what they say and then compare all three to gather more information.

Now we need to notice first something different than other studies, for today we will look at the Scripture in two parts. The first part is in regards to verses 16 through 18. Mark is the only other author who writes about our Lord’s comments about the ‘Revealed’ light that we get when we have the Holy Spirit in our lives. The second part will incorporate verses 19 through 21 that speak about our Lord’s mom, Mary, and His step brothers and sisters.

Mark 4:21-25 “21 Also He said to them, “Is a lamp brought to be put under a basket or under a bed? Is it not to be set on a lampstand? 22 For there is nothing hidden which will not be revealed, nor has anything been kept secret but that it should come to light. 23 If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.” 24 Then He said to them, “Take heed what you hear. With the same measure you use, it will be measured to you; and to you who hear, more will be given. 25 For whoever has, to him more will be given; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.”

Mark 3: 31-35, “31 Then His brothers and His mother came, and standing outside they sent to Him, calling Him. 32 And a multitude was sitting around Him; and they said to Him, “Look, Your mother and Your brothers are outside seeking You.” 33 But He answered them, saying, “Who is My mother, or My brothers?” 34 And He looked around in a circle at those who sat about Him, and said, “Here are My mother and My brothers! 35 For whoever does the will of God is My brother and My sister and mother.”

Matthew 12: 46-50, “46 While He was still talking to the multitudes, behold, His mother and brothers stood outside, seeking to speak with Him. 47 Then one said to Him, “Look, Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, seeking to speak with You.” 48 But He answered and said to the one who told Him, “Who is My mother and who are My brothers?” 49 And He stretched out His hand toward His disciples and 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.”

Now please remember that although Mark probably wasn’t there, his step father in the faith, Peter was there and heard our Lord Jesus. Luke wasn’t there when our Lord gave this speach but later came and interviewed those who were. So, let’s see what all three have in common and are different.

You can almost see Luke interviewing people and writing down their thoughts regarding these comments. He is the one who gives us a lot more information.

16 “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 light.

Mark tells us from the witness Peter that our Lord gave a Parable by asking a question, ‘ Is a lamp brought to be put under a basket or under a bed? Is it not to be set on a lampstand?’ Luke who came back years later and interviewed people came up with the truth of our Lord’s question. The truth of our Lord’s remarks was that He did not come to the earth in order to hide things from us.

What does a lamp do? It uncovers the darkness. It reveals what was hidden by the darkness, doesn’t it. His word is light. How about this amazing verses in Psalm 119, verses 105 – 106, “104 Through Your precepts I get understanding; Therefore I hate every false way. 105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. 106 I have sworn and confirmed that I will keep Your righteous judgments.’