Parable of the Lamp on a Stand: Verse, Meaning & Lesson

The Parable of the Lamp on a Stand is in Matthew 5:14–16, Mark 4:21–25, and Luke 8:16–18. Jesus told this parable to teach others to shine the light of God’s truth in the world.

This guide gives you a complete summary of the Parable of the Lamp on a Stand, including the verses in Scripture, the meaning, and lessons that can be applied to the Christian life.

Note: This parable is also referred to as the Parable of the Lamp Under a Bushel and simply the Parable of the Lamp.

Parable of the Lamp on a Stand In Scripture

Matthew 5:14–16 – Parable of the Lamp on a Stand

“You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill can’t be hidden. Neither do you light a lamp and put it under a measuring basket, but on a stand; and it shines to all who are in the house. Even so, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

Read Matthew 5

Mark 4:21–25 – Parable of the Lamp on a Stand

He said to them, “Is a lamp brought to be put under a basket or under a bed? Isn’t it put on a stand? For there is nothing hidden except that it should be made known, neither was anything made secret but that it should come to light. If any man has ears to hear, let him hear.”

He said to them, “Take heed what you hear. With whatever measure you measure, it will be measured to you; and more will be given to you who hear. For whoever has, to him more will be given; and he who doesn’t have, even that which he has will be taken away from him.”

Read Mark 4

Luke 8:16–18 – Parable of the Lamp on a Stand

“No one, when he has lit a lamp, covers it with a container or puts it under a bed; but puts it on a stand, that those who enter in may see the light. For nothing is hidden that will not be revealed, nor anything secret that will not be known and come to light. Be careful therefore how you hear. For whoever has, to him will be given; and whoever doesn’t have, from him will be taken away even that which he thinks he has.”

Read Luke 8

Parable of the Lamp on a Stand Meaning

This parable means that the light of God should shine bright in your life for all to see and not be hidden away. Jesus wants Christians to be like lamps on a stand, who illuminate the darkness of the world for others to see their good deeds and glorify God.

There are also three additional meanings of the parable that can be gathered from the verses in Mark and Luke about “hidden” and “secret” things coming to light and “whoever has” will be given more:

As God’s lamp on a stand, you reveal the hidden truths about His Kingdom and plan for salvation by bringing them out into the light.
As you live for God and share His truths with the world, you will naturally expose sin in yourself and others; the secret reality of our hearts is made clear for all to see.
As your light shines brighter as a Christian with good deeds, the more God will use you in the world to bring glory to His name.

Parable of the Lamp on a Stand Lessons

Be a Witness for Jesus Christ

Share your faith openly with others. Do not be ashamed or afraid of your faith in Jesus Christ by keeping it hidden away. Profess your love for God and how He is working in your life with confidence.

Be a Role Model for Others to See

We are responsible for how we use the light God has given us. And the way you behave as a Christian is a reflection of God. You should follow God’s Word and illuminate it in your interactions with people as much as possible. Be a role model for other Christians to follow and to spark interest in non-believers about God’s salvation.

Be Proactive In Understanding and Obedience

The more you listen and obey God’s Word, the more understanding and blessings you will receive. However, if you neglect or reject God’s Word, the understanding and blessings you do have will be taken away. Be a good steward of God’s Word so you will be given more wisdom of His truths, which also results in more blessings in your life.

Be Accountable for Your Sins

We are accountable for what we do with the light that God has revealed to us. As you grow in your Christian faith, your sins will naturally be exposed to yourself and others. When those sins are brought to light, you should confess them to God and practice repentance. God knows everything we think and do and will judge us according to how we respond to the sins he exposes. Therefore, you should live in a way where you have nothing to fear when you face God in Heaven.

Be a Light for God’s Glory

God has given each of us spiritual gifts and talents that we are to use for His purposes and His Kingdom. We are not to bury those gifts and talents, waste them, or only use them for selfish purposes. Instead, you should invest in those gifts and talents, multiply them, and use them for the benefit of others. Acting in this way will bring glory to God as the giver of those gifts and talents.

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Summary of the Parable of the Lamp on a Stand

We hope you enjoyed this summary of the Parable of the Lamp on a Stand.

As you discovered, the Parable of the Lamp on a Stand appears in three Scriptures: Matthew 5:14–16, Mark 4:21–25, and Luke 8:16–18. And the primary meaning of the parable is for us to shine the light of God’s truth in the world. The life lessons include being a witness for Jesus Christ, a role model for others to see, proactive in your understanding and obedience of God’s Word, accountable for your sins, and a light for God’s’ glory by using your spiritual gifts and talents.

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