You Are The Light Of The World

Brenden Ashby
06/23/24 - Sun AM

Lights In The World

Brenden Ashby

In John 8:12 NKJV, Jesus says, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” Jesus’ promise is that if we are His disciples, we will be possessors of life and be on the path of righteousness. Because disciples have the “light of life,” they are compared to “light” in the sermon on the mount (Matt. 5:14-16). There are two parallels between being a disciple and being lights that Jesus calls attention to.

The first parallel between light and discipleship is that lights are not hidden. Just as people do not light lamps to conceal their light (Matt. 5:15), as disciples, we are called to not hide our faith. Some may attempt to hide by isolating themselves from the world, while others may feel ashamed of the name of Christ. However, if we are truly disciples of Jesus, our faith will inevitably shine through, making it impossible to hide (1 Pet. 2:12).

The second parallel between light and discipleship is that lights make other things seen. Light, by its very nature, illuminates (Matt. 5:15-16). Similarly, disciples are called to actively reflect the light of Christ in this world (Phil. 2:15). We do this through our speech and actions, which should reflect the very character of Jesus (Eph. 4:29; Matt. 5:16).

Disciples of Jesus are compared to light because, like Jesus, our lives are not to be hidden from others but are to show the way to God.