Matthew 5:16

Let your light so shine. The light of truth comes from heaven (John 1:4) but becomes our light when illuminating our lives (Isa. 60:1-3; Eph. 5:14). The Twelve were Christianity’s first light bearers. Their effectiveness was evident even to foes who “took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13). Jesus kindled a light in men’s hearts never to be extinguished.

See your good works. A lamp is known by its light’s strength. The oil may not be visible, but the light shows it is present.

Glorify your Father. Satan misrepresents the Father; Christ reveals Him. Disciples’ lights shine not to attract to themselves but to lead others to Christ, the light of life (Matt. 6:31-34; John 6:27; Isa. 55:1,2).

This is Matthew’s first reference to God as “Father,” a term he uses frequently (Matt. 5:45,48; 6:1,9). The Father-Son relationship appears often in the OT (Deut. 32:6; Isa. 63:16; 64:8; Jer. 3:4). Christ gave it new meaning (COL 141,142). Jewish literature often represents God as “Father in heaven.”