In Matthew 5, verses 14-16, Jesus is teaching the famous “Sermon on the Mount”. He informs us as Christians that we are the “light of the world”. To understand this, we need to understand where the light comes from. So for starters, Jesus is truly the light of the world (John 1:4, In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.) but we are bearers of His light through our faith in Him.

In Matthew 5, Jesus says, “A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.” When you place something upon a hilltop or hill-side, you expect and likely want people to see it. Since it is elevated above most everything else, it is more easily visible, even from a greater distance than things on lower ground.

The light of Jesus was never meant to be hidden and it was never meant to be kept to ourselves but rather to be placed for all to see.

Jesus actually placed Himself on a hill called Calvary by His sacrifice on the Cross. He wanted all the world to see and know of His love which shone so brightly.

Those who were against Jesus believed that they had actually won and had “covered” the light as they sealed the tomb where Jesus laid.

But on the third day, in all His glory and power, Jesus rose from the grave in victory over both sin and death! The light of Jesus shown for all the world to see and that we all may know Him.

As followers of Christ, we carry the light that the world needs. Why would we ever try to keep it to ourselves? We have such an important calling to take the light of Jesus to the ends of the earth. Too often we live like we are afraid to let others see the light inside of us because we are worried about what they will say or if they will mock us. When in reality, others without Jesus and His light, are desperately searching for it so they can step out of the darkness. “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:5)

“…let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)