Matthew 5:13–16 ‘You are the light of the world.’ (v14)
Here, Jesus is speaking about His followers being salt and light in this world. He Himself is the ‘light of the world’ who gives us the ‘light of life’ (John 8:12).
John 1:9 tells us that when Jesus came into this world, He was ‘The true light that gives light to everyone’, and we, as His followers, must also reflect His light.
When we come to Jesus, we need to ‘put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armour of light’ (Rom. 13:12). Jesus shines a light into what is good, and pure and holy.
His ways are very different to the world’s ways. Coming to Christ will challenge us because when we examine ourselves in His light, we may find there are areas of darkness that need addressing!
This can take time, and good Christian counsel. But believers are light in an often-dark world, and Jesus expects us to ‘shine’.
It’s sometimes hard to express our faith, especially when we are among people who perhaps do not know Him. We need discernment to know when to speak, and when to keep silent.
However, as we stay close to Jesus, His light will shine out of us, as we allow Him to
live in us, by His Spirit, more fully day by day. This takes an act of real surrender, but Jesus expects nothing less.
We can offer hope to a hurting world, because we know the One who came to save us, not condemn us (John 3:17). People need hope.
They need light. Just as darkness flees when we switch a light on, so despair and hopelessness must flee in the face of the One who is Himself light.
A Prayer To Make:
‘Lord, thank You that You are the light, and that those who follow You must also walk in the light. Help me to be Your light in the darkness today. Amen.’
An Action To Take:
When Jesus tells you that you are the light of the world, how does this make you feel? Respond now, using music, art or the written word, to worship Him.
Scripture To Consider:
Job 12:1–25; Isa. 9:1–7; Eph. 5:1–20; 1 John 1:1–10
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