Matthew 5:14-16–The Light of the World Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. What a humbling title Jesus gives to believers here, especially to ministers of the gospel! Elsewhere He declares Himself to be “the light of the world” (John 8:12) but here the same title is applied to His people. Christians then have a great responsibility to so live and serve that they are seen to be what the Lord says they actually are. Just as there is a physical heaven so there is a spiritual one. Christ is the “sun of righteousness” (Mal.4:2). The church is “fair as the moon” (Song 6:10). Ministers are “stars” in the right hand of Christ (Rev.1:20) and believers are to “shine as lights” in the world (Phil.2:15). What is Jesus teaching about true Christians? We learn firstly of their character. They are like light. This represents spiritual truth and holiness. Such a change takes place in conversion that a man whose life was once moral and spiritual darkness is now “light in the Lord” (Eph.5:8). He has received the love of the truth in the gospel and is saved. In union with Christ his nature is made holy. The difference is seen by others. Secondly we see their purpose. They are the light of the world. It is the will of the Lord that His people be in the world but not of it. Christians are to live, work and serve alongside their fellow men. They must not shut themselves away, gathered in their own closed communities: then the good news of salvation will not be made known where it is needed. Like a city built on a lofty hill Christians should be visible to others. We may be sure that the eyes of the world will be upon them. The light flowing from their lips and lives must illuminate the darkness of this present evil world and point sinners to the Saviour. We also learn their duty. In a positive way they are to “shine”. They must strive by grace to forsake sin and live uprightly. They must abound in good works. When the Lord’s people are united in truth and love a clear message is conveyed to an unbelieving world. By word and deed Christ is preached. The light of the gospel finds lost sinners, exposes hypocrites and comforts and directs the saints. The glory is God’s alone. Finally we should note their danger. Although a Christian is a new creature and is holy, he is often tempted to remain silent, to hide his faith, to walk with the world. To make a stand for truth and righteousness in a dark and evil day is by no means easy, but it is our duty and our privilege. And after all, what use can any light be if it is covered up? It must be raised high and its beams allowed to shine forth. To hide our light by continuing in sin is to end our usefulness to the Lord in this life. We will never see better times for the gospel unless believers stand up and speak up. Preachers in our day must not keep back any part of the Word of God from the people. We know that some truths are not popular with sinners but every doctrine has its place: who can say what the Lord will bless to their salvation? Our encouragement is that in glory they that turn many to righteousness shall shine as the stars for ever (Dan.12:3). May the Lord be our light and our salvation and may He be clearly seen in all we say and do.