Shining the Light of Jesus

Have you ever walked from a dark room into an extremely bright space? Light has incredible power over our senses, and sometimes it can be overwhelming. But light is necessary for us to live. Light tells us about reality. It illuminates things around us.

In Matthew 5, Jesus uses various light metaphors to describe the life of a disciple. He says that His disciples are like a city built on a hill that shines light into the valley (Matthew 5:14). He also says we’re like a lamp that gives light to a whole house (Matthew 5:15).

The life of a disciple of Jesus is meant to be like that of light that shines brightly for others to see. So what is the light that we have?

First and foremost, it is the message of the Gospel. We have been given knowledge of what Jesus has done for us, and it’s that knowledge that changes everything. We now have a new life because of Him.

We’ve been entrusted with this message so that we could share it with others. The message and hope of Jesus is a bright light that illuminates reality.

Jesus also says that people recognize our light through our good deeds. When we go out of our way to love others, we are showing them the light and love of Jesus. Actions that help others opens up opportunities for us to share the hope of Jesus.

There are many ways that you have been equipped in life to share the message of Jesus with others. It might be at work, with your neighbors, with someone in your community, or with your own family. It might be through an act of love, a financial gift, an encouraging word, or random act of kindness, but everything you do should be accompanied by the message of the gospel.

Without love, our actions are meaningless. The most illuminating act of all is loving people like Jesus, so that they might know Him. Today, consider how you can be a light to those around you in how you love.