LIGHT OF THE WORLD
Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Matthew 5:14 (KJV)
In our previous teaching we heard Jesus call us the salt of the earth but today He calls us the light of the world.
What’s the difference between the Earth and the world? Though these words are mistakenly often interchanged, they are different.
Earth refers specifically to the planet we live on. It is the physical, astronomical object—the third planet from the Sun. Characteristically it is a scientific and geographical term used in environmental and space contexts. It is capitalized when referring to the planet (e.g., Earth), and in lowercase when referring to soil or ground (e.g., earth).
The World on the other hand refers more to the human experience or civilization on Earth. Can mean a realm, domain, or society—not necessarily physical. Its key characteristics are that it is a philosophical, cultural, or social term referring to imagined or fictional realms (e.g., “the wizarding world”) and often used metaphorically (e.g., “a world of possibilities”).
With this understanding, Jesus called us the salt of the physical earth and now He calls us the Light of the World (its Realm and human experience). We are the illumination, the revelation, the sense of the world.
You are the reason the world makes sense.
The Greek word translated as light here is the word “phōs” (pronounced foce) which means to shine or make manifest, especially by rays – luminousness.
Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. John 8:12 (KJV)
As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. John 9:5 (KJV)
Jesus was the light of the world while HE was in the world but as he ascended into glory he passed that responsibility to us. It is our duty now to illuminate the world with the love of God and make His glory manifest.
When people choose to close their eyes and act like they don’t see our light, we must shine more. The darker the darkness the more relevant our light will be.
And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. John 3:19 (KJV)
A candle in a dark room doesn’t complain—it simply shines. One by one, others light their candles from it. No candle ever gets dimmed by lighting others. Keep shining; radiating the Father’s glory.
I make bold to say, “there is no darkness anywhere – just the absence of light”. If we all let our little light shine as saints, the darkness we feel and see will be dispelled.
Live a cheerful life, without complaining or division among yourselves.
For then you will be seen as innocent, faultless, and pure children of God, even though you live in the midst of a brutal and perverse culture. For you will appear among them as shining lights in the universe. Philippians 2:14-15 (TPT)
Reflection:
– Where is God calling me to shine His light today?
– Do I hide my faith out of fear or let it shine boldly?
– What does it mean to be a light in dark places?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, you have made me the Light of the world. Help me to stand out. Not to be darkened by the world’s system but to illuminate the world with Your Glory and Power. Amen.
“All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle.” – Francis of Assisi
“We are told to let our light shine, and if it does, we won’t need to tell anybody it does. Lighthouses don’t fire cannons to call attention to their shining – they just shine.” – D. L. Moody
Shine!