Scripture
The Sermon on the Mount
1One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around him, 2and he began to teach them.
The Beatitudes
3“God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him,[1]
for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
4God blesses those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5God blesses those who are humble,
for they will inherit the whole earth.
6God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice,[2]
for they will be satisfied.
7God blesses those who are merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8God blesses those whose hearts are pure,
for they will see God.
9God blesses those who work for peace,
for they will be called the children of God.
10God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right,
for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
11“God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. 12Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.
Teaching about Salt and Light
13“You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.
14“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
Translation notes (2)
- 5:3 Greek poor in spirit.
- 5:6 Or for righteousness.
14“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.
I always marvel at how the smallest amount of light can pierce through the pitch-black darkness. Darkness can appear so strong, but a flicker of light can make all the difference. It can erase fear and help us see more clearly. The same is true with the light in us if we have placed our faith in Christ. Jesus made it clear that if we are His followers, we are the light of the world.
As Jesus taught His followers one day in Matthew 5, He told them, "You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden" (verse 14). In other words, there is no containing light's impact where it exists. Light effectively drowns out the darkness. Jesus continued, saying, "In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father" (verse 16). The light that followers of Christ have directly points others to Christ. The question is, however, are we letting it shine? We must go to dark places and put ourselves where light is needed. When we do this, we spread the light and hope of Jesus in a dark, dark world.
Nothing can mask light's effect. Light must be strategically placed and used to see its effects clearly. The same is true with followers of Christ. We are the light of the world. The question is, are we putting ourselves in situations where our light is needed and seen? Are we going to places where we can make an impact? After all, light shines the brightest in dark places.
Moving toward action
Think about the people in your life who are far from Christ. They may be coworkers, classmates, friends, hair stylists, baristas, or family members. If you do not have a list of people who do not know Christ, make it now. Think about ways you can reach out and influence these people weekly. Then, make a plan to reach out to them this week. Be bold as lions! Encourage them to come with you to one of our Christmas Eve services.
Going Deeper
Matthew 5:1-16 (NLT)
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