John 5:35

Joy got physical among John the Baptist’s followers when he entered the scene of His-story. His light shone for the world to see. For a short time, even with his stinging rebukes, the Jewish nation was stirred with excitement and anticipation - rejoicing and enjoying the Baptist’s ministry. For a brief moment, they assumed the Messianic Age was dawning. Our verse for today certainly makes Jesus’ Words in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew come to life. Here we find Jesus describing His expectations for all believers not just the Baptist who simply set forth for us a wonderful example to follow:

14 "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand , and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matt 5:14-16 (NIV)

In like manner, we find Paul and Barnabas stating these words to the Jews in Acts:

46 Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: "We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. 47 For this is what the Lord has commanded us: "'I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.' “48 When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed. Acts 13:46-48 (NIV)

Just as the Baptist, Paul and Barnabas were considered “a light”, so too are all believers. Note, we are considered “a light” NOT “Light” as the Father, Son and the Spirit are. We like those who walked before us, are only reflections of the True Light. Just as the moon is illuminated by the sun, we as believers are illuminated by the Son. It is His light that shines forth from within us for the world to see - ever pointing them to Jesus not to us. John tells us in his gospel:

6 There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. 8 He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. 9 The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world. John 1:6-9 (NIV)

Always, the One who gives the Light gets the glory. Interestingly, the apostle John also described Jesus in Revelation as being the lamp of heaven. How fitting - as all light emitted in heaven comes from the Father and the Son. Hear the words of the revelator:

22 I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. 23 The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. Rev 21:22-23 (NIV)

This should not come as a surprise to us as we are told in I John the following Truth:

5 This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 1 John 1:5 (NIV)

Paul ditto’s this in his first letter to Timothy:

God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen. 1 Tim 6:15-16 (NIV)

Lastly, John gives us the following command towards this end:

5 This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6 If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

1 John 1:5-7 (NIV)

So how does “walk in the light” flesh out in a life? I believe it boils down to one simple word – obedience. Not an obedience flowing from a sense of duty which is merely legalism showing forth in a life as martyrdom, mechanical, joyless, painful and prideful. How does that shine light? It appears as death to me. We must simply ask ourselves these questions – Is this a life that points to Jesus? Is this a life that glorifies and exalts the One who came and died to give me life? Indeed, obedience must flow from love of the Master aided by His Spirit. This will always show forth His light to others because it is so unnatural to man. It often goes contrary and bucks the flesh and certainly stands in opposition to the world. The world will tell you that it is all about you yet God says it is all about His Son. Obviously, this does not come natural. But natural isn’t what Jesus is about now is it? He is all about the supernatural – living this life through His power. Just as our Lord asked Peter three times “Do you love Me?” followed by a command to obedience, so too, He asks every subsequent believer, “Do you love Me enough to obey Me?” It all boils down to trust which in turn all boils down to faith.

6 Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did. 1 John 2:6 (NIV)