I am a Jesus pusher!!! One does not set a city on a hilltop to hide it; one does not light a lamp and put it under a bushel. It is a decisive action to build a city on a hill. It expresses absolute confidence and a claim of importance. It tells us that the inhabitants desire to play a broader role in human affairs. People who want to live a quiet and secluded life build their cities out of sight, hoping no one will notice. Our statement focuses on the ridiculous image of trying to hide a city by design made for prominence. It is a statement concerning visibility.
Once this reference to a city is complete, Jesus moves immediately back to the imagery of “light.” “Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but upon a lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the household” (Matthew 5:15). The Greek word “modios,” translated basket, refers to a Roman measuring basket of various sizes to measure dry things. This basket was a common household item present in every home. The prospect of placing a lamp under this measuring basket would be ridiculous unless there were some evil intent. Some ancient writers pictured those who had malicious intent hiding a candle under a bushel. When all were asleep, they would rise with light at hand to help them carry out their evil plot. Evil is hidden and deceptive. But we are the light of the world, making Jesus visible for all to see. We are Jesus pushers!!!