Let Your Light Shine
Matthew 5:14-16
I remember singing this song in Sunday School. We held up our pointer fingers and circled them above our heads, pretending they were our little candles. We sang loudly, declaring that we would let our lights shine brightly for everyone to see.
This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine.
Let it shine around the world, I’m going to let it shine.
Let it shine till Jesus comes, I’m going to let it shine.
Over the past few weeks, I have focused on the Gospel of Matthew. I examined Jesus’ disciples more closely as I reflected on His earthly ministry. I have also asked myself to answer these questions honestly: “Would I have struggled to believe Jesus was the One, the Messiah? How bold would I have been in proclaiming His name?”
You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
- Matthew 5:14-16 (NLT)
Light of the World—like a city on a hilltop
Hippos is one of the ancient cities of the Decapolis, located on a prominent hill east of the Sea of Galilee. It was known for the bright, reflective light shining from its city walls like a beacon for all to see. This hill is visible from various locations around the lake, and as Jesus taught from the Mount of Beatitudes, we can imagine Him pointing toward Hippos—a city perched on a hilltop.
We have witnessed lights shining brightly during the dark hours of the night. It is incredible how even the tiniest light can illuminate the surrounding darkness, helping us see and navigate our steps at night.
Don’t put your light under a basket
Jesus referred to Himself as the Light of the World, yet in these lessons, He told His followers, “You are the light of the world.”
Do you hear His words of encouragement? Shine brightly; don’t hide your lamp. Jesus understood that the religious leaders of His time worked tirelessly to discredit Him, even plotting His death. The disciples must have grappled with doubts and questioned whether Jesus was indeed the Son of God.
“But what about you?” He asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by My Father in heaven.
- Matthew 16:15-17
Let your good deeds shine out for all to see
Jesus said our good deeds will lead others to praise our Heavenly Father. This raises the question: What constitutes good deeds? Scripture provides many examples for us to practice: offer a cup of cold water, give your extra cloak, and provide food.
And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.
- Matthew 10:42
John the Baptist shared these examples:
John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.”
- Luke 3:11
Head to Heart
Here’s a practical application for each of us: set aside some time to be alone. Bring your Bible, a pen, a notepad, a candle, and matches.
Open your Bible and light the candle. Read these verses out loud:
Matthew 5:14-16
Mark 4:21-22
Luke 8:16-17
Take time to pray and ask the Lord for three practical ways to show good deeds to others. Then, go out and offer good deeds to others so they will praise your Heavenly Father.
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