You are the Light of the World
Matthew 5:14–16 – “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
Jesus spoke these words to his followers during the Sermon on the Mount, and yet His words have been true of believers down through the ages, because since Jesus is THE LIGHT of the world (John 8:12), His light shines in and through every believer. Notice that Jesus didn’t say we are the light of the church. He said we are the light of the world! Jesus gives 3 illustrations here:
1) The danger of hiding your light
If you have a light, you don’t hide it under something like a bowl (v.16). That defeats the purpose! Similarly, when you received Christ as your Savior, the light of Christ came into your life and began to shine through you. Don’t be ashamed of that light. When you have an opportunity, speak of your faith in him. Speak of the difference he has made in your life. Tell someone how he answered a prayer. Mention how He has brought you hope.
2) The importance of showing your light
Matthew 5:15–16 – “… Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men.”
When it’s Monday morning and your colleagues and classmates ask you what you did over the weekend, you could mention that you went to church (assuming you did!) and say something positive about it. It will create an opportunity to have a spiritual conversation with that person.
When you’re using social media, why not post a Bible verse, quote, or article that points others to Christ and the gospel. It doesn’t mean every post has to be spiritual, but be intentional, every so often, about letting your light shine.
God put you at that school or place of work or neighborhood or family for a reason. He put you there so that the light of Christ can shine.
Maybe you are feeling like the place of work or the environment at home is quite dark these days. Remember that the darker a place is, the light will shine more brightly!
Esther became queen of Persia at a dark time, in order to save her people from extermination at the hands of a wicked leader. God put Joseph in the court of Pharaoh (as the second in command) at a dark time to save Egypt and his family (the tribes of Israel) from seven years of famine. God put Daniel in the court of Nebuchadnezzar, at a dark time, where he was able to be a great voice of wisdom.
3) The collective reach of shining your light
Matthew 5:14 – “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.”
There is a collective meaning to these words. Collectively together, we can be thought of as a city of lights. You may think you’re not making much of a difference, but collectively, when we all let our light shine, it’s a city full of light.
How are we going to shine? Look at what verse 16 says. This is crucial.
Matthew 5:16 – In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
Look at that little word “let.” I see in this the idea of surrendering to Christ. You don’t need to force your light to shine, just surrender to him, and it will shine.
The other thing that stands out is the term “good deeds.” It’s our good deeds that shine forth the light of Christ. Good deeds are something that we do which shows what we believe. If we believe in Jesus and follow him, then we must show that in how we live and serve. It is making a meal for someone in need. It is holy living. It is visiting someone who is sick or shut in. It is giving money to spread the gospel and support the work of the church. It is sending a note of encouragement to someone or calling someone to say you are thinking of them. It is showing hospitality. It is using your gifts, talents and time to serve others and Christ.
As we do so, others will take notice, and when they see your love and light, it will cause them “to praise your Father in heaven” (v.16). What an incredible thought that is. Your good deeds have a ripple effect and can even bring others to love, know, and worship the Lord!
