Jump Start # 161 

Matthew 5:14-16 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in Heaven. “

  Last time we looked at the expression “salt.” Now Jesus uses another illustration to describe the disciples, citizens of the kingdom. Again Jesus begins this by saying, “YOU ARE.” You are the light of the world.

  These two illustrations of discipleship are borrowed from the common items found in nearly every first century home—salt and light. Had Jesus said, “You are the Pearls of the world” many would not understand that because they never had any pearls. Rather, Jesus used the items that everyone used nearly every day.

  Salt and light do not do the same thing. Salt enhances and preserves. Light attracts and makes visible. Both add to a lost world. The world is in darkness. The world doesn’t see what it is doing. Light makes things visible. From a distance, light can be seen.

 Part of discipleship is being spiritually attractive to a dark world. The world notices. The world sees. We are visible and witnessed by a world that doesn’t have light. What do people notice?

They notice you going to church services on a regular and consistent basis. We see cars leaving driveways on Monday mornings heading to school and work. That happens every week. But the neighbors notice you leaving every Sunday—even when it’s raining, snowing, cold or big ball games are going to be on TV.

They notice you are modest in speech and dress. Your language is carefully thought out and chosen. You don’t say the name “God” unless you are really talking about God. Your clothing is not suggestive and immoral 

They notice an attitude of kindness and helpfulness.

They notice a spirit that serves. You do things without asking. You are generous.

They notice a genuine love for God and His people.

They notice a family that is righteous and fun to be around.

They notice that you care. You ask. You help out when you can. You offer to pray.

They notice that no one notices them because they are like everyone else. You live differently, think differently and hope differently. You have Jesus. They see cars in front of your house. They are folks from the church that you have invited over. They notice that you invite them to come to services with them.

  There is an attraction to you. It is a light—the light of Jesus.

Shine. Shine. Shine.

Roger