John 8:12 Jesus spoke to them again: “I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.”
Matthew 5:14 “You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden.
Psalm 119:105. Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path.
Here, we read of Jesus standing in the Temple courtyard overshadowed by massive menorahs that illuminated the Temple and much of Jerusalem with spectacular light when lit. To those gathered, Jesus proclaimed that He is an even greater light—an inextinguishable light—reaching throughout the world, piercing every hidden corner and dark place of man’s imagination.
Jesus’ words are both awe-inspiring and challenging because, in Matthew 5:14, He says, “You are the light of the world.” How is it possible that He is the light of the world, but so am I, and so are you? It’s easy. Jesus’ light illuminates our lives by His indwelling Spirit working through us as we live according to God’s Word (Psalm 119:105). This should lead us to ask, “What can others see of Jesus in me?”
Look around—people are walking in absolute darkness with no idea where they’re going, either in this life or the one to come. They are headed straight for disaster and need the gentle persistence of Christ’s light shining through us. Others need to see the love of Jesus reflected in our day-to-day encounters with them, which should be evidenced in our countenance, attitude, and acts of kindness.
As simplistic as it sounds, we must live out the words that children sing in Sunday School, “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine. Let it shine. Let it shine.” His life in us naturally becomes a light for other people. May we let it radiate from within to those around us.
