The Light of the World

Bethel Mennonite Church – Gladys VA

Jesus is the light of the world. The opposite of darkness is light. You can hide in the darkest closet, light a candle, and the darkness is gone. Many people live in darkness because they are afraid of light. Light exposes sinful deeds. Things that we are trying to hide will eventually be made known. Light also shows us the way along a dark path so we do not stumble.

We are also lights of Jesus. We are able to shine because He lives in us. We should be like the city on a hill that cannot be hidden or like a lamp on a lampstand giving light to all who are in the house. Our light is revealed by the things we do and the things we say. God is glorified by the things we do. Our light points to the source of our light.

What is the significance of our light? It may bring people to feel guilty and change their behaviors or it may inspire others to want to follow Jesus. Our light is also revealed through our good works as we follow the instructions in the Sermon on the Mount. People are living in darkness today and they need to see our lights shining. Our light needs to be on display. To many people in the world, we are their only exposure to light. We should live like we are full of light. Do we look sad or joyful?

What are some obstacles to our lights shining? 1) We need to recognize that we have no light on our own; we are only reflecting Jesus. 2) Maybe we are not investing our time in prayer and Bible reading. The more time we spend in His Word the more we are able to hear His voice speaking to us. 3) The desire for approval from others. 4) Fear of which the antidote is love. 5) We think someone else’s light is shining brighter than ours.

We may feel like a little light but our light should shine bright enough that the people around us can see it. If we are the only gospel that our neighbors read, what are they seeing? Do we feel like our lights make a difference? There are people who are lost around us and we can be that light that points to Jesus.

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