You are the light of the world

Many metaphors in Scripture describe Jesus. The second “I am” statement in the Gospel of John, found in John 8:12, declares: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”

Jesus indicates he is not only the light of the world, but that those who follow him will carry a similar light because of their relationship with him. The Gospel of Matthew continues that theme with the calling of the first disciples.

After Jesus overcomes temptation in the wilderness and begins his ministry of preaching, teaching and healing, he calls four fishermen to follow him. Jesus then teaches them the principles of the kingdom that guide the lives of his followers, as recorded in Matthew 5-7. Many find that his teachings in the Sermon on the Mount challenge and stretch them in their dealings with others. These principles are not easy to live by. Yet Jesus has confidence in them, knowing the Holy Spirit will be their companion on life’s journey.

After the Beatitudes, which introduce the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told his disciples an essential part of their mission. In Matthew 5:14, he said: “You are the light of the world.” It is not hard to understand Jesus as the Light of the World. Matthew 4:16 points to Old Testament prophecy: “The people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the shadow of death a light has dawned.”

That light has dawned in the Savior, Jesus. He calls and commissions his followers to carry on his work in the world. As the moon reflects the light of the sun on the darkest side of the earth, so the church is called to reflect the light of Christ in a world without the true light from heaven.

Pastor Ray Martin

Southside Church of God, Alliance