Let Your Light Shine: What It Means to Be the Light of the World

A ship is lost at sea, tossed by the dark and wild ocean.

But there is rescue—a lighthouse standing tall and bright. It floods the dark sky with its brilliant light and leads the ship back to shore.

We may not often think of it, but as believers, we, too, have a light within us—one that is meant to draw in the lost.

The Sermon on the Mount: Our Identity and Calling

Matthew 5 begins the famous passage of Scripture known as the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus teaches a massive crowd about the Kingdom of God. Here, Jesus offers both encouragement and instruction regarding the identity and calling of His listeners.

First, Jesus says to His followers, “You are the light of the world” (v. 14, ESV)—the very name He also attributes to Himself in John 8:12! What unity Jesus invites us into, that we would be characterized by Him. This is our identity—completely dependent on Christ. It is His light within us that shines.

A City on a Hill and a Lamp on a Stand

Jesus then uses two images to explain our calling:

“A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house” (vv. 14–15, ESV).

These examples emphasize prominence and visibility. A city on a hill is impossible to miss—it stands high above everything else. Likewise, a lamp on a stand illuminates the darkness around it.

Let Your Light Shine Before Others

Jesus continues:

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (v. 16, ESV).

The light of Christ within us is meant to shine before others. Living for God means acting in faith—these are our good works. We love, serve, and give sacrificially. And most importantly, Jesus reminds us that this is not for our own glory, but for the glory of our Father in heaven.

You’ve Been Placed on Purpose

Friend—God has divinely placed you in specific spheres of influence to let your light shine. At home, in your work, in your relationships, through your service and sacrifice—the way you faithfully live for God is evident to those around you and brings Him glory.

We are called to let our light shine into a world lost in darkness. We are called to bear witness to the brilliant Light of Christ.