This Little Light of Mine

We are in Luke 11.  Remember that Jesus is talking to some scribes and Pharisees after they accused Him of being demonic instead of divine.

 

Last week, we saw Him chastise them for asking for more signs instead of obeying what they already knew.

 

He used two examples to shame them.  One was the Gentile Queen of Sheba who traveled far and wide to hear Solomon.  The other was the Gentile Ninevites who repented at Jonah’s preaching.

 

Jesus said He was greater than Solomon and right in the front of them.  They didn’t need to travel hundreds of miles.

 

He also said He was greater than Jonah.  He was implying that they should repent at His preaching.

 

Today, we are talking about light.  That word is in today’s four verses six times.

 

Many of you, if not all of you, are familiar with that song.  However, is the light yours? And, are you letting it shine?

 

 

Exposition

In Luke 11:33, Jesus told a parable.  A parable is an earthly story with a heavenly meaning.

 

In this day, a lamp was what we might call an oil-burning lantern.  I think the KJV uses candle.

 

When one was lit, it wasn’t put in a secret place or cellar or under a basket. It was put on a lampstand in the middle of the room to light up the room.  This was not a mystery.

 

Verses 34 and following are the heavenly meaning.  Jesus said our lamp is our eyes.

 

If your eyes are good or healthy or clear or doing their job, then we can see and do whatever our body needs for us to do because we have light.  That may be to walk or sit or climb or eat or stop. 

 

However, when your eye is bad or can’t see or unhealthy, then we don’t know.  It is dark.  Imagine what our blind brothers and sister’s lives are like. 

 

Verse 35 is the action point.  Therefore, make sure that your light is not darkness.  Make sure your eyes are doing their job correctly so that you can behave correctly. 

 

When the light comes in your eyes, it lights your whole body.  Then you are like the lamp or lantern that gives off light from verse 33.

 

 

Application

First, remember from verse 34 that the light is outside the body, and has to be let in or allowed in through the eye.  As Jesus is the light of the world, have you allowed Him to come into your life?

 

Remember the original hearers.  They were unbelieving Jewish Pharisees.  Jesus was inviting them to be saved.  I am inviting you to be saved this morning.

 

Don’t turn away from the light!  Receive the Light.  The little Light can be yours today.

 

Second, while not the primary point of this text, there are multiple applications for Christians and followers of Christ.  For example, are you allowing the Light, Jesus, shine in your life and direct your paths? 

 

In verse 35, Jesus wants our bodies to be full of light.  He wants to and has shown us how to live in His word.  Are we following His light for guidance in our lives?

 

Next, if this little Light is yours, are you letting it shine?  If you’re not, do you really have the Light?

 

It is illogical to light a lamp and put it under a basket.  I would suggest that God has saved you and kept you on earth for no other reason than to be witness for Him and point others to Christ!

 

Finally, last week, we talked about obeying what you know.  So let’s talk about obedience. 

 

If you aren’t living a life of obedience to Christ, do you genuinely have the Light?  Look at verse 36.

 

If you have light, you will shine it.  If you are a Christian, you will be obedient.

 

If you’re not living a life of obedience, are you really saved?  Remember James 2:14-26.

 

14 What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? 17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.  18 But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! 20 But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? 22 Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? 23 And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God. 24 You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.  25 Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way?  26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

 

Do you have the Light?  Are you letting it shine?  Story of unlit lantern.