Youth Who Don’t Hide Christ

The Parable of the Lamp

Jesus teaches in Luke 8:16-18:

No one, after lighting a lamp, covers it with a jar or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a stand so that those who enter may see the light. For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light. Take care then how you hear, for to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he thinks that he has will be taken away.

Context in Luke's Gospel

The Gospel of Luke is written to Theophilus, a Gentile believer needing certainty about the things he has been taught. Luke explains Jesus' birth, ministry, and miracles, which demonstrate Jesus' authority to forgive sins. These miracles physically show his power to heal souls.

Recently, we examined the parable of the soils, where the sower scatters the word of God. Only the good soil truly receives it, treasures it in private life, and bears fruit. Others appear to receive it outwardly—like those attending youth group or church—but fall away under trials or worldly pleasures.

One soil receives the word with joy but has no root, falling away in trials. Another is choked by worries, riches, and pleasures. God uses hardships and joys to reveal genuine believers. What do you value most right now? Is it the gospel, or something else?

Exposing True Belief

This parable continues the theme: who truly values Jesus? Jesus exposes different responses. Some see him as a miracle worker and demand signs, but Jesus refuses those uninterested in him personally. Others, seeking Jesus himself, receive signs.

Some blend in externally, enjoying church benefits—financial help, love, friendships, music, even sermons—without true interest in Christ. This echoes Ezekiel's day, where exiles treated his prophecies as entertainment, inviting friends to watch like a performance.

The Light on a Stand

Jesus' genius is in this simple truth: no one lights a lamp to hide it under a jar or bed. You place it on a stand to illuminate the room. Everyone agrees—it's nonsensical otherwise.

Spiritually, Jesus is the light. Genuine Christians don't hide him. Nobody truly receives Christ to conceal it. Hiding Jesus is as ridiculous as hiding a lit lamp. If someone claims Christ but is ashamed to display him, they likely haven't truly received him.

Your life demonstrates salvation. A Christian puts Jesus on display so others entering their life see the light. Who in your circle—friends, school, work—knows you're a Christian? Have they observed it, or have you shared it boldly, even risking offense?

Nothing Hidden Forever

Verse 17 warns: nothing hidden stays hidden. Private unbelief or sin will be revealed—perhaps in this life. Sin spreads like a virus, refusing privacy. It destroys everything.

Why not come to the light now? John 3 explains: some love darkness, fearing exposure. "Exposed" (Greek elencho) means deeds are revealed, convicted as sinful, and corrected. Those fearing this cling to immorality, drunkenness, anger, idols—refusing to prioritize Jesus.

Take Care How You Hear

Verse 18 urges: "Take care how you hear." This isn't self-help; it's eternal life. The one who has Christ receives more. Their public and private lives align; they treasure Jesus above all.

The one who has not—even what he thinks he has—will lose it. Like shallow soil, Satan snatches it away. Trials or pleasures reveal false faith. Pay close attention to God's word, faithfully preached, to gain eternal life and enjoyment in Christ, avoiding eternal punishment.

Come to youth group or church not for entertainment or convenience, but to be refreshed by eternal truth, shaped away from sin's slavery toward God.