The LightSample

You Are the Light of the World

Where do people look to find hope? Most of us live with a sense that not everything is as it should be. No matter how hard we work or how well we plan, life seems to fall short of what we imagine. Remember the 3 Circles video? Everyone has sinned and struggles with brokenness because of their separation from God (Romans 3:22-25). From ongoing wars to family strife, a world without hope cries out for peace, wholeness, and healing—glimpses of eternity that only truly come from a restored relationship with God.

The Bible describes people who don’t know Jesus as wandering in darkness (Isaiah 9:2). Can you think about a time when you were in complete darkness? Any light, even the smallest reflection, attracts your eyes. You want to move towards it, even if you don’t know where it’s coming from. You need light to know what is there and to separate shadows from truth.

When Jesus was teaching a large crowd, He described His followers as a source of light for the world (Matthew 5:14-16). They are like a lamp in a dark room. A city on a hill for all to see. Jesus was giving His followers a picture of who they are to be as a community, and the difference their presence on earth makes for a world that still lies in darkness. As you follow Jesus, growing and maturing in your faith, your life begins to change, and those around you can’t help but notice. It’s as if you become a lamp lit in a dark room. No one lights a lamp just so they can hide it away. Lamps are made to give light to everything around them. Those near the light are able to see their surroundings in greater color, detail, and clarity than in the dark.

You came to know Jesus because someone else refused to hide their light and shared it with you. Think about the ways the light of Christ has touched and transformed your life. Who else needs to see it?

Prayer

“God, thank you for rescuing me from darkness and bringing me into your marvelous light. Help me understand what it means to let the light of Jesus shine through me. Give me courage and boldness to tell others about the hope your gospel has given me.”