Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven. Matthew v. 16.
The man Jesus stands in the Gospel records as the Truth, the true man, or the Christ. His mission was to manifest the true Life by his words and his deeds. He was full of light, or understanding; and he let his light so shine before men,—by demonstration, in healing from sin, sorrow, and disease,—that many believed on him, and thereby glorified his Father, Truth, which is in Heaven.
The disciples had but a glimmer of light. With their dim illumination they did not feel like standing as representatives of the Master, and facing the prejudice of men. The tendency was to keep the light from the world. It was not bright enough to command the applause of men. The pride of life made them shrink from being ostracised, or standing alone with a man who was considered an impostor. They could not comprehend that they would eventually be blessed for their right thinking, or righteousness.
