Scripture: Matthew 5:14-16
Topic: Parable of the Lamp
How does Jesus’ call for believers to be the “light of the World” impact your understanding of your role as a Christian in today’s society?
Matthew 5:14: "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden."
Be the light
We are going to cover one of Jesus’ parables, called the Parable of the Lamp.
We are going to go how to be a light to others, and resources we can reach out to.
Lost in Darkness
Chloe was always a quiet person. In her freshman year of high school, she started retreating socially, maybe only getting 2-4 hrs sleep a night, skipping meals only eating 1 meal a day. She felt worthless, powerless, hopeless. Chloe had lost interest in everything that mattered. To her, nothing mattered. Her classses were no longer teaching her new things, her hobbies were now seen by her as "just silly", and she distanced herself from her friends, afraid of judgement, or being asked too many questions.
Chloe was convinced that this shell she was living in, was just "who she was", her identity, her persona.
Her browsing often drifted towards the darkness, reading articles on witchcraft, watching livestream tarot card readings and using ouija boards to contact the spirits. Her obsession with the supernatural and occult grew with each passing day.
Chloe would sometimes think about asking for help but was always too embarrassed, she didn't want to be a burden on anyone.
Some mornings, Chloe would woke up icrying, dragging herself out of bed, feeling like she was carrying a 50lb backpack on her back.
One afternoon, while sitting with her friends after school, Chloe went into a anxiety-driven panic attack. Her Christian friend Maria noticed and pulled her away from everyone else, and gave her some water and tissues, comforting Chloe, and listening to everything she had to say. Once the two girls were in a better place emotionally, Maria shared Phillippians 4:6-7 with Chloe, Maria's favorite verse that she had relied on many times throughout her life. Maria was a shining light, giving Chloe hope when it didn't seem like there was any.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4:6-7
Can you relate to this?
Have you been in a situation where you felt like asking for help seemed impossible, or a burden on other people?
Have you ever been the one cheering up someone else, giving them hope?
“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” - Romans 12:12
We are to be the ones shining the light into other people’s lives.
Town on a hill
(v14) "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden"
Light of the world? Different/Not of this world
A town built on a hill? Visible
Seen by everyone, Obvious and apparent; Approachable
Dope on a Rope
There once was this criminal who had committed a crime
sent to the king for his punishment
The king said: choice of two punishments
Hung by rope
take what’s behind the big, dark, scary, mysterious iron door
The criminal decided: rope
As the noose was being slipped on him, he turned to the king and asked:
“By the way, out of curiosity, what’s behind that door?”
The king laughed and said:
“You know, it’s funny, I offer everyone the same choice, and nearly everyone picks the rope.”
“So,” said the criminal, “Tell me. What’s behind the door? I mean, obviously, I won’t tell anyone,” he said, pointing to the noose around his neck.
The king paused then answered:
“Freedom, but it seems most people are so afraid of the unknown that they immediately take the rope.”
—-- END —-
One of the great fears of people struggling in darkness is that they fear the future, they fear the unknown.
Those that love God, love others, and obey His commands, aren’t like that.
They are beacons, light bearers. We have hope in Jesus, we have open in our eternity.
Be the light of the world. We have hope, and it’s ok to share that hope.
Light in a bowl
(v15) "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."
What is this verse saying? God made you to be a light to others, and be careful of "bowls", don’t be snuffed out, and lose your light.
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds” - James 1:2
Give light to everyone you see.
Shining in a crowd
(v16) In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
A godly life shows off the saving power of God, and it glorifies Him.
1 Peter 2:12
“Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.”
How do we be a light to the world?
- Kindness and compassion
- Generosity - Giving freely your time, talents, and treasures
- Encouragement - Uplift those around you
- Integrity - Live like God is watching
- Forgiveness - What seperates a Christian from the world
- Service - Volunteering for your Church to make a positive impact
- Advocacy - Speak up for what is right, good and true
- Positive influence - Be a role model to others, start now
- Sharing your faith
- Educating and Empowering
Let your light shine before others.
Conclusion
We are to be the ones shining the light into other people’s lives. Be the light of the world. We have hope, and it’s ok to share that hope. Give light to everyone you see. Let your light shine before others.
Application
Pray. Thank God for all your blessings, even the small ones. Serve others. Ask for help (fellowship). Be there for others when they need help (50% of people never ask for help)
How does Jesus’ call for believers to be the “light of the World” impact your understanding of your role as a Christian in today’s society?
What do we do when someone comes to us seeking help?
- Active Listening - pay full attention, don’t speak or interrupt them
- Offer support and reassurance that Jesus loves them and there is hope
- Practical support - offer to help them with their homework, eat lunch with them, introduce them to new “better” friends
- Self-care - exercise, nutrition/blood sugar, sleep, gym
- Stay connected - text/ping/DM
- Educate yourself - Christian Counseling is often free, most people don’t know it. There are Christian Counseling classes online too, google it or ask me, I’m qualified
Do something. Get involved. Do better.
Who cares about me?
Jesus does, your brothers and sisters do, and I do.
- Charles Mattson
Student Ministries DIrector
