Salt & Light

Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount

05/01/22 – 05/04/22

The Power of Light

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  05/02/22

Read Matthew 5:14-16.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told His disciples, “You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). What did He mean by that? He meant: Your light should shatter the darkness. Your light should lead others to Christ. Your light should expose error and lead people to the Truth.

Someone may say, “My faith is very private,” but that is not Biblical faith. True faith in Jesus is visible. It’s meant to be a light—and it’s meant to be a light for the world. Your light must shine in the marketplace, on the factory floor, in the boardroom, at the office, on your school campus. Wherever you go, there goes the light—because you are the light.

When people see someone who is loving and forgiving, joyful and generous, they take notice. When they see someone who is not short-tempered or angry but peaceful and content, they ask questions. And that is your greatest opportunity to tell them who changed you. Whether you know it or not, these people are wondering, ‘Can I, too, stop being so angry and selfish and fretful? Can I, too, have that peace no matter what comes my way?’ Jesus said when people see your light shining, they are going to glorify your Father in heaven (see Matthew 5:16).

Of course, not everyone loves the light. You see, every person you have ever met is either a child of light or a child of darkness. The whole world is divided that way. Every nation, every tribe, every tongue is divided between the children of light and the children of darkness. There are those who sit in darkness and have grown quite comfortable. They will not welcome your light because they know that by it their deeds will be exposed and reproved—and they don’t like the thought of that. They will feel threatened when they see your light, and their desire will be to push it far away or to put it out entirely. Don’t be surprised by this. Some people will ask questions, and we must be ready to give an answer, but some will not.

Today, make sure to do all you can to keep your light burning bright and strong. The way to do this is by walking closely with Jesus Christ, “The true light that gives light to everyone” (John 1:9).

Prayer: Father, forgive me for the times I have hidden the light of Christ in me. May I use every opportunity You bring to lead people to the Light of the World. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14).