light of the world Archives - Daily Thoughts about God

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.” – Matthew. 5:14

Jesus preached the Sermon on the Mount along the shores of the Sea of Galilee in the shadow of the highest mountain in Israel on which is located the town of Safad. Because of its height, the lights of the city can be seen from miles away.

He used the city to drive home a point, saying: Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a lamp stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. Matthew 5:15

Jesus proceeded here to show them that the very reason why they were enlightened was that others might also see the light, and be benefited by it. When people light a candle, they do not conceal the light, but place it where it may be of use. So it is with religion. Religion is given that we may benefit others. It is not to be concealed, but to show itself, and to shed light on a surrounding wicked world.

This passage sets forth instructions regarding the Christian’s light, or influence, in the world: (1) Christ forbade hiding it under a bushel, that is, permitting business and commerce to obscure one’s influence for the truth. (2) He warned against hiding it under a vessel, that is, permitting cares, duties, and obligations of life to take precedence over faith. (3) He prohibited hiding it under the bed of licentiousness, laziness, or idleness.

What then should be done with the light or influence of the Christian’s life? It should be placed upon “the stand.” And, what can this be? It is nothing less than the church of Jesus Christ, namely, the local congregation.

How bright does the light of Jesus burn in your life and in your congregation that others may see the light? The light of Jesus illumination from us is the essence of discipleship.

Do you let the duties of the day to take precedence over our sharing the light? Pray that the light of Jesus may shine brightly in your life so that others may see the essence of the Gospel.

By John Grant
Used by Permission
John Grant is a former Florida State Senator and is a practicing attorney

“Jesus said “While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” John 9:5

“Jesus also said that “You are the light of the world.” Matthew 5:14

Imagine a lamp. God is like the light bulb, the source of light, and we are like the lampshade. While it may seem strange to compare God to a light bulb, we’re told in scripture that “God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.” (1 John 1:5). And while I admit it may be difficult to imagine yourself as a lampshade, stay with me.

“You know him [the Holy Spirit],” Jesus tells us, “for he lives with you and will be in you.” (John 14:17) God dwells within you. While no one who looks directly at God’s face and His absolute holiness and power could possibly survive (Exodus 33:20), His glory can manifest itself in many ways, including through His children, you and I. Therefore, as much as you are able to allow God’s light to shine through you, His glory will be revealed to the world.

This is why John the Baptist said, regarding Jesus, “He must become greater; I must become less.” (John 3:30) John recognized that for Jesus’ interests to shine, John’s own self-interest must decrease. We are like the lampshade to God’s light; the thinner the lampshade is, the more the light will shine through. So let yourself become thinner, weaker, and more transparent, so that God’s light will shine more brightly into the world, and so the world will not be able to ignore it!

The apostle Peter has some excellent practical advice on how to let God’s light shine through your life:

“Be earnest and disciplined in your prayers. Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.”

Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay. God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.

Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you.

Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies.

Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.” (1 Peter 4:7b-11, NLT)

Question: How can you see God’s light shining through your life right now? How could you allow it to shine even more?

By Darren Hewer
Used by Permission

The Light

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.” – Matthew. 5:14

Further Reading

Let God’s Light Through

“Jesus said “While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” John 9:5

“Jesus also said that “You are the light of the world.” Matthew 5:14

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The Light

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.” – Matthew. 5:14

Further Reading

Let God’s Light Through

“Jesus said “While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” John 9:5

“Jesus also said that “You are the light of the world.” Matthew 5:14