Jesus Christ is the true light of the entire world. When Jesus was on the earth He was the “Light of the World”. Now He has gone back to Heaven, He has passed His light to the Church. He has lighted a light in the life of each one of his followers. Christian disciples are called to rise and shine. See Philippians 2:5. Christians are to be torch bearers in a dark world. Shining does not mean self-propaganda, self-publicity, self-glorification, but bearing fruit in our life, bringing life and light to others. Why is the Church compared to light?

1 – In contrast to darkness

Darkness is an absence of light. The world is in darkness rather than light. Why? They prefer it. See John 3.19. The church is light. Darkness flees when a light appears. Not everyone wants their sins exposed to the light. As it gets darker, so light can be more noticed.

2 – To show the way to the light

Jesus is the light of the world. A light can be seen for many miles. A light on a hill can be seen for many more miles. We are to stand on a hill! We are to shine our light through good works that others might follow out of darkness.

3 – To radiate God’s light

A Christian radiates light that comes from God. It is just like the moon which radiates the light of the sun. The moon has no light of itself. The same is true of a Christian. God has shone in our hearts and brought light out of darkness. The Messiah is coming to bring God’s light to the world. See Isaiah 9:2.

Categories: Matthew