Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

What did Jesus mean by "Let your light shine"? Matthew 5:16

In Matthew 5:16, Jesus meant that His followers should live such visibly good, Christ-like lives through their actions, kindness, and righteousness that others see these good deeds and are led to praise God, not themselves. It's about reflecting Jesus's light (truth and hope) in a dark world, demonstrating faith through actions, and ultimately pointing people to God, rather than hiding one's faith or seeking personal glory. 

1: Good Works: The "light" is expressed through "good works"—acts of compassion, love, integrity, and righteousness that stem from a transformed life in Christ.

2: Visibility: The light must be seen by others ("before men"), like a city on a hill or a lamp on a stand, so it isn't hidden or ineffective.

3: Purpose: The ultimate goal isn't self-promotion but to glorify God the Father, drawing people to Him by showing His character through your life.

4: Contrast: This shines in contrast to the world's darkness, offering hope, guidance, and a different way of living, even if it makes believers seem different or strange to some. 

5: Visibility of Faith: A light is inherently meant to be seen. The imagery of a "city on a hill" or a "lamp on a stand" emphasises that faith and Christian living should not be hidden or kept private [2, 5]. Believers are meant to be a beacon in the world, just like a beacon for ships in the sea on a very stormy night.

In practice, Christians must show the following:

1: Offering hope and kindness in a hateful world.

2: Being patient, compassionate, and encouraging.

3: Living by God's moral code, even when it's unpopular.

4: Being a tangible example of faith for family and future generations. 

5: Evangelism and Witness: By living righteously, Christians attract others to God. The purpose isn't self-glorification, but rather that others will "give glory to your Father who is in heaven" The light acts as a guide, helping people find their way to God.

Jesus said, "Even so let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." ESV

The servant of God should appreciate the reason for which he is given the light, and he should realise that it would be utterly foolish and disastrous for him to refuse to let it shine from him as from a lamp.

We should treat people in the best possible way when helping them receive spiritual light from God. (Ps. 43:3)

Today, we let our light shine by doing good to our neighbours and by sharing in the work of preaching the good news "in all the world," that is, "in all the nations." (Matt. 26:13; Mark 13:10) What a privilege we enjoy by letting our light shine.

Jesus did not want his disciples to keep secret their identity as members of a so-called religious sect. (Acts 24:14; 28:22) Failing to let our light shine today would be displeasing both to Christ and to his Father.

For others to give glory to God because of what Christians do, it is obvious that we must be active witnesses to the world, and this can only be done by what Jesus said in Matthew 5:16 -let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." ESV

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