How does Matthew 5:15 connect with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20? Shining the Light: Matthew 5:15 “Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a lampstand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.” • Jesus pictures every believer as a lamp He has personally lit. • The purpose of that light is visibility—illumining “everyone in the house,” not just ourselves. • Hiding the lamp would contradict its very reason for existing. The Great Commission: Matthew 28:19-20 “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” • “Go” moves the light outward—beyond the house, to “all nations.” • “Make disciples” clarifies what shining looks like: bringing others into obedient, lifelong relationship with Christ. • Jesus’ promise of His presence guarantees continual fuel for the lamp. How the Two Passages Interlock • Same Speaker, Same Audience – In both passages, Jesus addresses His disciples, treating them as light-bearers equipped for a mission. • Progression of Thought – Matthew 5 sets up identity (“You are light; don’t hide”). – Matthew 28 supplies strategy (“Go, baptize, teach”). • Lampstand ↔ World – The “lampstand” of 5:15 finds its fullest expression in 28:19: the entire world becomes the stand on which Christ places His Church. • Visibility ↔ Verbal Proclamation – Light radiates; discipleship requires words. Together, they form a holistic witness: living brightly and speaking clearly. Practical Implications for Everyday Witness • Remember why you were redeemed: to be displayed, not tucked away. • Step out—initiate spiritual conversations, serve publicly, live transparently. • Engage intentionally: – Share the gospel (Romans 1:16). – Baptize new believers, helping them publicly identify with Christ (Acts 2:41). – Teach Scripture consistently, so obedience becomes a pattern (James 1:22). • Depend on His presence; the promise “I am with you” supplies courage when shining feels costly. Supporting Scriptures • Acts 1:8—“You will receive power… and you will be My witnesses… to the ends of the earth.” • Philippians 2:15—“Shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life.” • 1 Peter 2:9—“Proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” Key Takeaways • Matthew 5:15 gives the imagery; Matthew 28:19-20 gives the marching orders. • To obey the Great Commission is to set our lamp on the tallest stand possible. • When believers visibly, verbally, and intentionally live out their faith, Jesus’ light reaches “everyone in the house”—and ultimately, every nation under heaven. |
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