When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12
Jesus is the Light. This is a truth that resonates in so many ways – radiating glory, illuminating our path, revealing Truth, expelling the darkness. Then He makes this amazing charge:
You are the light of the world. …. let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16
So wait, I thought Jesus was the Light of the world. Now He says we are to be the light? How does that work?
I think John 9 helps with that.
While I am in the world, I am the light of the world. John 9:5
Once Jesus ascends, He sends the Spirit. While He was here He was the light, but now He calls on the picture of us as His Body. We, the Church, reflect His light together as we continue His mission and Kingdom work. His light shines through us.
Two observations:
It is the Spirit working in and through us, providing the light that shines from us. It is not our light; we are merely a vessel.
Secondly, it is we, together, that bring light to this world. It is you, plural. You all are the light of the world. Yes, I reflect Jesus when I live obediently and lovingly but it is when we as the Church are known for good deeds and goodness in our communities that Light is shown. Like a city on a hill, with multiple points of light, we become a beacon to our dark world. Do our actions bring glory to our Father? How do we treat each other? How do we as the Church treat those searching in darkness?
Lord, forgive us for times when we fail to reflect Your glory well. Make us a bright beacon to our world, unified by the Spirit in our love for You and for one another. Help us shine Your light to all and draw many towards You.
You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 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. Matthew 5:14-16
