What Jesus means when he says, "You Are the Light of the World." (Matthew 5:14)

 

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 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. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV)

This is one of the most iconic and powerful statements that Jesus made in the Sermon on the Mount. This phrase has profound spiritual significance and serves as a guiding principle for us.

 

The Source of Our Light

 

To grasp the meaning of Jesus' words, we must first understand that the source of this light is none other than Jesus himself. In the Gospel of John, Jesus emphatically proclaims, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life." (John 8:12). 

He is the supreme source of divine illumination, and this light originates from his teachings, his love, and his redemptive sacrifice on the cross.

 

A Call to Reflect the Light of Christ Jesus

This powerful statement gives us a call as Christ's followers to reflect His Light. When Jesus tells us that "You are the light of the world", he is calling on us to reflect his light in our lives. Just as the moon reflects the light of the sun, we are called to reflect the light of Christ in our thinking, activities, and relations with others. 

2 Corinthians 4:6 (NKJV) further emphasizes that "For it is God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." 

This means that it is God who causes His light to shine in our hearts, giving us the knowledge of His glory to also reflect that to others. That knowledge is Christ Jesus Himself. We have to reflect Him and all that's in Him to the world.

 

We are to dispel darkness with our light

 

In a world characterized by sin, despair, and darkness, we as the followers of Christ are to bring hope and illumination to those in need. "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." Matthew 5:15 (NIV). 

If we truly have the light of God, then we must let it show in all aspects of our lives and not hide it.

Ephesians 5:8 also highlights this point, stating, "For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light."  

We must walk as the children of God, shining as light in this crooked and perverse generation. (Philippians 2:15)

 

Providing Moral and Ethical Guidance

 

Being the light of the world isn't just about shining dim. It involves providing moral and ethical guidance to others, much like a lighthouse guides ships safely through perilous waters. Jesus' Sermon on the Mount is an excellent example of this, as He provided teachings on various topics addressing humility, loving one's enemies, and not paying back what others do to us. These teachings serve as a blueprint for how we can live as lights in the world.

 

To show Love and Compassion

 

Jesus emphasizes the essence of love and empathy in reflecting His light. In the Beatitudes, He said, "Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy." (Matthew 5:7) 

He encourages us to love our neighbors and even our enemies. He stated, "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Matthew 5:43-44). This radical love is a powerful way to shine as light in a world often marked by division and animosity.

 

Reflecting Good Deeds and Glorifying God

 

We are given a clear directive in Matthew 5:16, which says, "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."  

As Christians, we are called to perform good deeds, not for our own glory, but to bring glory to God. The love, kindness, and generosity we show to others should point people toward the source of the light, which is God our Father in Heaven.

Our lives as Christians must be transparent and reflect the gospel. Those around us must see that we are indeed shining.

"No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light. For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad." Luke 8:16-17 (KJV)

 

Exhibiting Fruits of the Spirit through the Light

 

Galatians 5:22-23 provides markers that should be evident in our lives. These are the fruits of the Spirit. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." 

These qualities are the manifestations of Christ's light in a believer's life, and they are meant to draw others closer to God.

 

Conclusion

Christ Jesus, making a profound statement that we are the light of the world, set forth a powerful call to action for us as his followers. We are to reflect His glorious light in a world that usually seems shrouded in darkness. When we manifest the teachings of Christ, show love and compassion, perform good deeds, and live lives of transparency and moral integrity, we will fulfill our role as the light of the world and shine brightly for the glory of God.