You are the light of the world.
At first glance, this statement seems so simple. When you break it down, the meaning behind it actually has many layers.
Digging a little deeper into the verse of the day, which happens to be Matthew 5:14, "You are the light of the world. A town build on a hill cannot be hidden", I learned that "light" was a crucial symbol in the Jewish worldview. Just as Greek culture prized knowledge, or Roman culture valued glory, or modern American culture touts freedom, Hebrew culture's ideal standard was light. This concept factors heavily in biblical explanations of godliness and truth (Proverbs 4:18–19; Matthew 4:16; John 8:12; 2 Corinthians 4:6).
When Jesus spoke these words to His disciples, it was a reminder that there is no light in the world apart from Him. His light shines through every person who belongs to Him.
What a glorious thought that is! If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, the very light that lit up the world during creation is the light that shines inside of you.
I can't read this verse without going back to John 1:4-5, "The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness and the darkness can never extinguish it."
Jesus Christ is the light of the world. Without Him, there would be nothing. Apart from Him, is utter darkness.
"You are the light of the world" is reminding us that when we go out into the world, even in the darkest places, that it is His light that radiates from us.
We are to distribute that light everywhere we go!
Jesus adds to this metaphor by referring to a city positioned on top of a hill. It is not meant to be hidden; a city on a hill is meant to be seen and found even in the darkness of night. During the time of Christ, the walls around a city on a hill were often made from white limestone, which would be relatively easy to see, even on a dim night.
In the same way, the light of Christ isn't meant to be hidden on the earth. As Children of God, we should be shining our light so brightly that it can be seen by everyone we come in contact with allowing our light to shine in the dark world in order that all who see will give glory to God.
Where can you let your light shine today?