“You are the light of the world.”
Matthew 5:14

How is it that Jesus says we are the light of the world?

Doesn’t he claim to be the Light of the World himself?

Is this a contradiction? How can it be that Jesus sees himself as the light, but then he sees his followers as the light too?

These questions are all the more powerful when we realize that there is no light in ourselves. We are prone to love the darkness.

Yet Jesus’ words remain true. We are the light of the world. God has chosen to shine the light of Jesus through us. 

Think about the moon. The moon doesn’t actually shine. It gives off no light – it only reflects the light that comes from the sun. At night, when the sun has disappeared, we are still enjoying the sun’s light, coming via the reflection of the moon.

Likewise, even though Jesus as the Light of the world is no longer on earth physically, his light remains. We, his followers, reflect his light.

We absorb his glory and majesty – the truth of his gospel, and we reflect those glorious truths for all the world to see. So yes, we are the light of the world… whenever we reflect Jesus!

Prayer: Light of the world, thank you for bringing me to salvation and for making me a reflection of your light. Help me to be a good reflection of your glory and your gospel. Amen.