August 30 | Bible in a Year: Psalms 129–131; 1 Corinthians 11:1–16

Leave the Light On

You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Matthew 5:14

Matthew 5:14

READ Matthew 5:13–16

A hotel chain’s commercial featured one little building standing amidst a dark night. Nothing else was around. The only light in the scene came from a small lamp near the door on the porch of the building. The bulb cast enough illumination for a visitor to walk up the steps and enter the building. The commercial ended with the phrase, “We’ll leave the light on for you.”

A porch light is akin to a welcome sign, reminding weary travellers that there’s a comfortable place still open where they can stop and rest. The light invites those passing by to come on in and escape from the dark, weary journey.

Jesus says the lives of those who believe in Him should resemble that of a welcoming light. He told His followers, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14). As believers, we’re to illuminate a dark world.

As He directs and empowers us, “[others] may see [our] good deeds and glorify [our] Father in heaven” (v. 16). And as we leave our lights on, they will feel welcomed to come to us to learn more about the one true Light of the World—Jesus (John 8:12).  In a weary and dark world, His light always remains on.

Have you left your light on? As Jesus shines through you today, others may see and begin radiating His light too.

By Katara Patton

In what ways can you shine your light for Jesus today? What can prevent you from shining for Him?

Jesus, help me to shine brightly so that others may be drawn to You.

SCRIPTURE INSIGHT

Ponder for a moment the connection between being the salt and light in Matthew 5:13–16 and the Beatitudes in the previous section (vv. 3–12 ). In the Beatitudes, Jesus lists many of the characteristics that describe people who’ll benefit under the kingdom of heaven—the poor in spirit, the meek, the merciful, the peacemakers and so on. Immediately following these descriptions, Jesus speaks the words of today’s passage. So, who is the salt of the earth and the light of the world? Taking these two sections together, we see that those who are salt and light are characterised by the attributes listed in the Beatitudes. Our good deeds—humility, meekness, showing mercy, righteousness, having a pure heart, peace-making—are to be on display to those watching (vv. 3–10). These are the actions that point people to our good Father in heaven.