The
lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is sound, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is evil, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!
Matthew 6:22-23
Matthew 6 [19.] “Don’t lay up treasures for yourselves on the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consume, and where thieves don’t break through and steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Matthew 6 [22.] “The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is sound, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is evil, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!
Matthew 6 [24.] “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other; or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You can’t serve both God and Mammon. Therefore I tell you, don’t be anxious for your life: what you will eat, or what you will drink; nor yet for your body, what you will wear. Isn’t life more than food, and the body more than clothing? See the birds of the sky, that they don’t sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns. Your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you of much more value than they?
Meaning:
This passage from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount is rich in metaphor and carries profound spiritual insights.
Audience: Jesus addresses his disciples and the crowds gathered to hear him (Matthew 5:1-2).
Teaching: This sermon is a cornerstone of Jesus' teachings, covering various aspects of righteous living, prayer, fasting, and trust in God.
- Verse Breakdown:
The Lamp of the Body: Jesus uses the metaphor of the eye as the lamp of the body. In ancient times, the eye was seen as the window through which light entered the body, enabling sight and perception.
Sound and Evil Eyes: A "sound" eye (or "healthy" eye) suggests clarity of vision and purity of intent. An "evil" eye (or "bad" eye) denotes darkness and distortion, symbolizing greed, envy, or spiritual blindness.
Light and Darkness: If the eye is sound, allowing in light, the whole body is illuminated with spiritual insight and understanding. Conversely, if the eye is evil, darkness pervades, hindering spiritual perception and leading to moral confusion.
Significance
- Metaphor of the Eye:
Clarity of Vision: The condition of the eye symbolizes the condition of the soul. A "sound" eye indicates a heart focused on righteousness, truth, and God's kingdom (Luke 11:34-36).
Spiritual Perception: Jesus emphasizes the importance of spiritual insight and discernment. How we perceive and understand spiritual truths impacts our entire being and actions.
- Light and Darkness:
Internal Illumination: The "light" within us represents spiritual enlightenment and moral purity. It guides our thoughts, attitudes, and actions in alignment with God's will (Ephesians 5:8).
Danger of Darkness: Spiritual darkness, resulting from distorted vision or moral corruption, obscures truth and leads to sinful behaviors and attitudes (John 3:19-20).
Theological Reflection
- Single-minded Devotion:
Focus on God: Jesus encourages wholehearted devotion to God. A "sound" eye focuses on heavenly treasures and seeks God’s righteousness above worldly pursuits (Matthew 6:33).
Dual Loyalties: The concept of serving either God or wealth (Matthew 6:24) underscores the impossibility of divided loyalties. A "sound" eye remains fixed on God alone, rejecting the allure of materialism and self-centered desires.
- Heart and Action:
Fruit of the Heart: Jesus teaches that the condition of the heart (represented by the eye) determines our outward actions (Matthew 12:34-35). A transformed heart produces righteous deeds, reflecting God's character.
Repentance and Renewal: Those with an "evil" eye are called to repentance and renewal. Through faith in Christ, hearts can be transformed, and minds enlightened by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:18).
Practical Applications
- Examination and Introspection:
Self-assessment: Regularly evaluate our thoughts, motives, and desires. Are they aligned with God's Word and His purposes?
Confession and Repentance: Acknowledge areas of spiritual blindness or moral compromise. Confess sin and seek God’s forgiveness and cleansing (1 John 1:9).
- Guarding the Heart:
Mindful Choices: Be intentional about what we allow to influence our hearts and minds—books, media, relationships. Surround ourselves with sources that promote spiritual growth and understanding.
Prayer and Scripture: Cultivate a habit of prayer and study of God’s Word. These practices illuminate our spiritual eyes and deepen our relationship with God (Psalm 119:105).
Cross-References:
Psalm 119:18: "Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things out of your law." Prayer for spiritual insight and understanding, echoing the metaphor of the eye as a source of illumination.
Ephesians 5:8: "For you were once darkness, but are now light in the Lord. Walk as children of light." Paul encourages believers to live as children of light, reflecting the transformative power of Christ in their lives.
Luke 11:34-36: "The lamp of the body is the eye. Therefore when your eye is good, your whole body is also full of light; but when it is evil, your body also is full of darkness. Therefore see whether the light that is in you isn’t darkness. If therefore your whole body is full of light, having no part dark, it will be wholly full of light, as when the lamp with its bright shining gives you light." Similar teachings by Jesus in Luke’s gospel emphasize the importance of spiritual clarity and the dangers of spiritual blindness.
Conclusion: Matthew 6:22-23 challenges us to examine the condition of our spiritual eyes—the clarity of our vision and the purity of our motives. By seeking God’s kingdom and righteousness with undivided hearts, we experience internal illumination and live as beacons of God’s light in a world darkened by sin. Let us heed Jesus’ teaching, guarding against spiritual blindness, and striving to live wholeheartedly for God, reflecting His truth and love to those around us.
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible