“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.”

5:14

We come to the second similitude—light. Both similitudes of salt and light represent our calling and mission.

“You are the light of the world.

A light sheds illumination and gives direction. It guides those in darkness. This is the mission of Jesus’ followers.

A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.

We can see an elevated city from a far distance; we can see an elevated city at night clearly. This city of necessity must be seen.

PRINCIPLE:

Christians are not only to be in the world but to be above it so that all can see the glory of God.

APPLICATION:

Christians reflect the light that is in Jesus. It is impossible to hide when our light shines. People cannot help but see what we have in Christ. There is no such thing as a secret believer.

Jesus called Himself the light of the world (Jn 8:12; 9:5; 12:35, 36, 46). Jesus is the source of light and we are reflections of that light.

Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain. Php 2:14-16

Darkness is where the light is needed. Therefore, Christians should not be religious recluses. God’s sovereign plan is to use His people to reach distorted people. An attitude which militates against sharing our faith is that people with twisted thinking will never be open to receive Christ. However, God says these are the very people to whom we are to witness. The only light this world has is the believer—that is why it is so dark. We are the best Christians some people know.