The Light of the World? Apr 28 2009

"You are the light of the world. A city on the hill cannot be hidden." - Matthew 5:14

Here is what, on the surface, may seem like a contradiction in the words of Jesus. In John 8:12, Jesus says, "I am the light of the world." And then, in Matthew 5:14, He says, "You are the light of the world." How can that be? Well think about it this way. Let's say you are hiking on a clear night with a beautiful full moon. You're able to walk on those trails without a flashlight because the moon is so bright. But is it really? No, the moon actually produces no light on its own; it merely reflects light generated by the sun.

Do you see it? Jesus says that the Christian is the light of the world because when we accept Christ, His light dwells within us - others see His light through us. Have you ever noticed that unique sparkle, twinkle, gleam in the eye of that Christ centered life? Have you ever seen the deadness in the eyes of people who live far from God and get hardened over time? The eye is the window of the soul. It reveals what’s there, what’s inside. Well, Jesus says, “You are the light of the world,” because when you receive Christ, His Spirit, the light, dwells within us. You really are the “light of the world,” whenever others see that reflection of the Son in you.

So, Christian, let that Light shine!

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