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In Matthew 5:14-16 NKJV, Jesus famously said this:

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

He said this, and then He went on to prophesy that the very people He had spoken to would be “cast into outer darkness” (Matthew 8:10-12) while their oppressors would keep company in heaven with Israel’s beloved forefathers.

He said He was sent to redeem “the lost sheep of the house of Israel,” yet when He sent His disciples to help in that work, Jesus told them, “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.” (Matthew 10:16 NKJV)

He tangled repeatedly and publicly with the Pharisees, detailing their sins before a live audience (Matthew 23:1-35). He called them murderers, hypocrites, and blasphemers. The Pharisees, in turn, plotted constantly to kill Jesus without His fans finding out who ordered the hit. Because they were the ruling faction at the synagogue, and because they could.

As if that weren’t enough, Jesus went to the temple one Passover and completely trashed the booths where small businesses sold animals for sacrifice. He scattered their money on the ground and overturned their tables. Then, He McGyvered a whip with multiple cords like a cat o’ nine tails, and literally whipped the merchants and animals out of the place.

He was rough on His disciples, too, constantly criticizing them (Matthew 16:6-12) for their “duh” moments (Really? Weren’t they there to learn?), their lack of humility (Luke 22:24-27), their weak faith (Matthew 14:31), their reluctance (Matthew 16:21-26), even disloyalty (Mark 3:31-35).

And He wanted us to do … what … again?

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

What does light do? What is light supposed to do? What happens when you turn on the light? And how does it glorify God?

We know what Jesus asked us to do in this passage. Did He Himself do it? How? When?

They ended up killing Him — Jews, Romans, and everybody else who looked on in that great city. Did the end justify the means — then and now? Is there a better way for us to handle things today than Jesus did? If so, what is it?