Timeless Torah

Of all the ancient rituals associated with the Temple, the one most palatable to modern man is the lighting of the Menorah. So while we may wonder at animal sacrifices, the kindling of golden candelabra somehow makes sense. Nevertheless, this week's Midrash asks why G-d could possibly need light any more than He would require animal offerings.
In response, the Midrash admits that the Almighty does not want the light per se for Himself, but rather to elevate the Jews in the eyes of the other nations. Since this cryptic answer also needs further explanation, the Sages offer us an accompanying parable.
Two men - one blind, the other sighted - were traveling together. Throughout their trip the blind man relied upon his friend to lead and protect him. Arriving at their destination, the sighted man asked his companion to help him light a candle. The blind man, surprised by the request, exclaimed, "Do you need my assistance? Surely you can light it yourself?" His friend responded, "When we journeyed, you were incapable. Still I do not wish you to feel indebted to me, so I therefore asked a favor of you."
G-d who blazed a path for the Jews as they wandered in the desert is the man with sight. The helpless Israelites represent the blind individual and their lighting of the Temple Menorah is their opportunity to assist their protector.
One thing still remains unclear. We now know that the lighting was done in order to make our ancestors feel less indebted, but how did that elevate them in the eyes of the other nations?
There are two levels of kindness. The first is based on compassion, a feeling of pity for the plight of others. This relationship often induces the recipient to feel beholden. However when kindness stems from love, like the one shown between a husband and a wife, the one receiving does not feel like a taker or a user. In fact, the act of giving draws both parties closer together.
The sighted man was doing much more than eliminating uncomfortable emotions. He was showing that there was no need to feel indebted in the first place - he had helped out if love. Similarly, having the Jews light the Menorah signified that Hashem had helped His children out of love, not merely out of compassion. This expression of affection by G-d for His people is what enhanced their status world-wide.