Matthew 5:14–16 (KJV 1900)
14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Christ’s Standard of Being the Light of the World
1. Followers of Christ are the light of the world.
2. Look at that Greek word for “light.” φωτός (phōtos) is the Greek word that reminds us of “photographs,” right? What do photographs do? They take a picture of the actual image. If the
surroundings are dark, no image can be seen. But, if that photograph is taken in light, the image of the actual person can be seen perfectly.
3. The world lives in darkness. Christians are the light. Light is always seen when darkness surrounds the viewer.
4. Jesus uses the example of a city that is upon a hill cannot be hidden. Once again, those bright lights atop a hill that light the city, the vibrant sounds of people within the city leave no doubt that it exists, and it is there on that hill.
5. The city cannot be kept secret from the world. It shines with the light and cannot be invisible.
6. Christian history records many times about Christians going underground, or into distant monasteries, often for the sake to avoid persecution, poverty, and illness. In today’s world, threat of nuclear war, famine, End Times, the Apocalypse, persecution, war, and the falling of government and nations has caused many, many Christians to seek refuge away from the world. They hide in holes they have dug in the ground, trees that conceal their presence, caves that darken their presence, and fortresses made to hide the Christians when trouble comes. These types of concealment are against the standards of Christ.
7. Christians do NOT light a candle, then hide it inside a container where the light cannot be seen.
8. When men light a candle, they put it in a candlestick holder, where it can shine brightly and give light to all in the house.
9. Jesus says let your light shine! Let that light shine amongst all people so they can see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven! Do NOT hide your light of Christ!
Shine your lights brightly for this upcoming Celebration for the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ!
