05/16/2026
I hold in my hand a Herodian oil lamp from the time of Jesus of Nazareth. This was the "flashlight" and "candle" so common to the people of his culture.
Olive oil was poured into the circular hole in the top of the body of the lamp and a wick protruded through the smaller hole in the spout. Look closely and you will see the remains of soot from 20 centuries ago when this one was last lit!
Our Savior referred to lamps such as these to describe His desire for us to reflect His light upon the people around us. During Jesus' famous Sermon on the Mount, He told His listeners, "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." - Matthew 5:14–16
Once lit, this tiny object had such a mighty impact upon the darkness! May each of us likewise be such a light to our culture!
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Blessing,
Dr. James Barber
https://www.illuminatingthebible.org/
https://www.youtube.com/
Photo of Herodian lamp © 2026 James L. Barber, Ph.D.