Matthew 5:14

NASB	NLT	VOICE
14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden;	14 “You are the light of the world – like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.	14 And you, beloved, are the light of the world. A city built on a hilltop cannot be hidden.

What Does it Mean to Be Light?

In biblical context, light represents truth, purity, and God revealing something to his people. The same symbolism is found in the Old Testament (Isaiah 42:6) where God calls His servant to be a light to the nations. John calls Jesus the light of the world (John 8:12), sharing that His followers are to reflect the same that Jesus radiates. Overall, this is calling us to live in a way that reveals who God is to those around us and to love each other as God loves us. Followers of Christ are called to influence the world in a positive manner and to guide those around us to Jesus.

REFLECTION CHECKPOINT: How are you reflecting the light of Christ to those around you?

Shine Like the Brightest City

In historical and geographical context, the cities in ancient Israel were often built on high ground for defense purposes, making them visible from a distance. Like Jerusalem is situated on a hill and served as a spiritual and cultural center for Israel. Jesus telling us to act like a city that cannot be hidden means that we should be both conspicuous and impactful. To be visible for those around us doesn’t mean to be self-glorifying, but to be a visual representation that brings people closer to God. Followers of Christ are called to live in a way that our faith and our actions cannot be hidden. We need to be a beacon of hope and righteousness in the world.

REFLECTION CHECKPOINT: In what ways can you shine, as Christ shines for the world?

Repel the Darkness

The presence of light makes the most impact when it’s surrounded by darkness. Our world can be a dark and scary place, now more than ever. With people’s lives being put at stake physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually every day through acts of war, greed, disagreements, and more. We need to have more light put into this world to combat the darkness creeping in. The light we talked about means to live in a way that reflects who God is and what God is about, and to love those around us as God loves us. That can look different in so many ways, especially in today’s world. Sharing that light is offering a space for people to share their concerns, troubles, anxieties, fears in a place where there will not be judgment – but room for growth, motivation, and encouragement. Sharing that light is speaking up for those who are having basic rights of life taken from them, showing that there is someone out there will to fight for them currently as Jesus does for eternity. Sharing that light is asking what they do need in this moment and then getting that for them regardless of the sacrifice. It could be things like food, gas, rent money, money for utilities or transportation, or helping clean their dwelling. We need to bring hope and truth where it’s most needed, and most people need it more than ever. It’s also not about preaching at them either. It’s great to have conversations about the Bible and good, believe me. However, we can show more about who God through what we do versus what we say. There’s that old saying that goes, “Preach the Gospel at all times and if necessary, use words.” from St. Francis of Assisi. Sharing the Good News of Jesus comes from how we act and our testimony, more than the general teachings of the Bible. We are beacons of that light. We reflect the Bible. We are the light that Christ shines with and through. Let’s get to work.

REFLECTION CHECKPOINT: When you look at what’s going on in the world right now, where can you shine your light? How would that look?

Above all, remember: I am the light of the world.

PRAY Action

Praise God for the light that He placed in you through the Holy Spirit.

Read John 8:12

Ask God for different ways to keep the light in you burning bright. Ask for His healing touch if you feel like that light.

You are a bright light that stands out amongst the darkness surrounding you. Do not let anyone put you out.

Next part: Breaking Spiritual Blindness || Who Am I Again? || Part 17