THE FIRST THREE GOSPELS all relate the parable of the light on the stand. Mark and Luke place it immediately after the parable of the sower. Matthew situates it in the Sermon on the Mount, just after the “blessed are you” sayings, which emphasize, “for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (cf. Matt. 5:3-10) In this lamp as “the light of the world” story (Matt. 5:14), the meaning of all three has to do with a use principle that relates to the kingdom of heaven. Matthew’s version here is missing a direct maxim that the earlier Mark and later Luke accounts both include. Luke’s more mature version has been refined to “Therefore consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they think they have will be taken from them.” (Luke 8:18)
Jesus’ ‘kingdom of heaven’ concept statement in Matthew is also embedded in both Mark and Luke’s telling of the story in immediate context with the similes of the parable of the sower: “The knowledge of the secrets of kingdom of God has been given to you. The seed is the word of God.” (Luke 8:10-12, cf. Mark 4:10-14) Matthew tells this same story later in his timeline. (Matt. 13:1-15) All three have attached within them the seed/life principles of Genesis: “Plants bearing seed according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds.” (Gen. 1:12); “every living thing according to their kinds.” (Gen. 1:21) The seed principle and the use principle are directly linked; unless the “farmer goes out to sow his seed” (Luke 8:5), the kingdom of heaven will not grow: “But the seed on good soil stands for those who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.” (Luke 8:15, cf. Matt. 13:23, Mark 4:20)
All three synoptic gospels relate Jesus’ metaphor regarding the gospel as a light that must be seen. “No one lights a lamp and hides it in a clay jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, they put it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light.” (Luke 8:16, Mark 4:21, Matt. 5:15) This is the principle of use. Not only must a light be lit to be seen, it must be placed where it sheds light visible to others. Jesus uses a melding of metaphors and a symphony of similes in order to form in the disciples’ minds, and in ours, an understanding of the secret kingdom of heaven that is revealed in him.
John’s gospel adds his unique view to the concept of the light that shines: “In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.” (John 1:4) He contrasts the light and the power of Jesus with the darkness of the fallen realm. “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:5) And John adds this transcendent understanding of the light: “The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. To all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” (John 9-12) The principle of seed and use is implemented by first receiving the gospel, then believing the gospel, then being acted upon through the gospel. This is the seed “falling on good soil that produces a crop.” (Matt. 13:23) That crop is the seed of life, a shining light in those born again from above. (cf. John 3:5-7) It is the light that shines in you and in me. It is meant to be seen, shared, and celebrated. It is small as only our own light; it is brighter bound together in the community of faith.
Jesus uses yet another metaphor of this principle of use in John. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit.” (John 15:5) The outcome of the organically linked seed and use principles is harvest, but between seed and harvest is the labor of the principle of use. Paul speaks to these same issues: “One plants, one waters, but God has been making it grow.” (1 Cor. 3:6)
Where seed principles and use principles become widespread, God’s work inevitably produces a harvest. Paul’s underscores this process: “Our gospel came to you with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You became imitators of us and of the Lord. And so you became a model—your faith in God has become known everywhere.” (1 Thess. 1:5-8) So also should this be with us.
Jesus did not just bring the now-but-not-yet kingdom of heaven to earth in some sterile philosophical form. He is the most intimate bringer and creator of Spiritual life, and is the very kingdom of heaven within us. “Look,” he says, “I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to all they have done.” (Rev. 22:12) From seedtime to harvest, the work of the Lord is our work. “Therefore consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more.” (Luke 8:18)
Q. How is my garden doing?
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