Light of the World
“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
Last week we examined the verse prior to the verses above. There Jesus said that “you are the salt of the earth.” Salt had two main purposes in that day, to provide seasoning for food and as a preservative to prevent decay. Jesus challenges us to be a positive influence for the gospel in our interactions with others. Further, we are reminded that the world is undergoing cultural decay and faithful believers can help preserve culture and slow the decay that naturally will occur apart from the godly Christian influence. If we were to look throughout church history we would find innumerable examples of how Christianity has positively influenced the world and changed it for the better.
Jesus continues the challenge in the next three verses. He declares that as believers, “You are the light of the world.” This is a declaration and not a suggestion. He is not telling us that we could possibly be the light of the world. He reminds us that by virtue of being believers we have been called to be the light of the world. He reminds us that if we are followers of Christ, we live our lives before a watching world. Notice what he says first, “A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” There were a lot of strategic advantages to building your city on the top of a hill. It was always advantageous to have the high ground if someone is going to attack you. It also helps with being able to see if there is an enemy on the horizon. But there is one huge disadvantage, YOU CANNOT NOT HIDE! You are obvious and conspicuous to everyone who is looking for you. You will not blend into the environment. At night, when people lit candles in their houses, you would be easily seen. Jesus says that as a Christian your life cannot be hidden to others. You are going to be seen, for good or for bad
Next, he gives another obvious example. No one lights a lamp and then hides it under a basket. Why not? Because it was made to be seen and give light to others. In fact, you locate your candle in a place that will allow it will have the maximum effect. The idea of being a “secret Christian” makes absolutely no sense. When Christ saved us from our sin, he could have immediately taken us to heaven, but he didn’t. He left us here so we could be his witnesses testifying to his grace and goodness. God’s desire for you is that you will passionately follow him so that your life will bring him maximum glory.
Notice what he says in the last sentence of this passage, “in the same way…” Just like a light is strategically placed to provide the most light, God has strategically placed you so you could shine brightly as a result of the gospel so others may see your good works and glorify God. One final note, the only way they will truly glorify God is if you tell them WHY you are doing what you are doing. There are a lot of “nice” people in the world, both religious and nonreligious. Unless you explain to them your motivation because of the gospel, they will not understand what your good works mean. We demonstrate the gospel through our actions, and we declare the gospel through our words. Both are necessary for a believer to help a person come to know God.
