Source sequence 4 of 85

Let your Light Shine

Scripture

Primary passage

Matthew 5:14–16

14 “You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill can’t be hidden. 15 Neither do you light a lamp and put it under a measuring basket, but on a stand; and it shines to all who are in the house. 16 Even so, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

Primary passage · World English Bible

Luke

Luke 11:33–36

33 “No one, when he has lit a lamp, puts it in a cellar or under a basket, but on a stand, that those who come in may see the light. 34 The lamp of the body is the eye. Therefore when your eye is good, your whole body is also full of light; but when it is evil, your body also is full of darkness. 35 Therefore see whether the light that is in you isn’t darkness. 36 If therefore your whole body is full of light, having no part dark, it will be wholly full of light, as when the lamp with its bright shining gives you light.”

Unreviewed grouped account · World English Bible

John

John 12:35–36

35 Jesus therefore said to them, “Yet a little while the light is with you. Walk while you have the light, that darkness doesn’t overtake you. He who walks in the darkness doesn’t know where he is going. 36 While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become children of light.” Jesus said these things, and he departed and hid himself from them.

Unreviewed grouped account · World English Bible

The command

Hear what Jesus commands.

Live visibly faithful lives so that others see good works and give glory to the Father.

In context

Hear the whole passage.

After calling His disciples salt and light, Jesus says that a lamp belongs on a stand rather than hidden from the people who need its light.

What this reveals

What this reveals about God.

Jesus forms humble witnesses whose public goodness points beyond themselves to God.

Practice this command

Take one concrete step.

Do one concrete good work this week that meets a real need. Do it openly enough to be helpful but without seeking recognition, and be ready to name God’s goodness.

Discuss

Talk about it.

What is the difference between letting good works be seen for God’s glory and performing them for personal praise?

Pray

Pray this.

Father, make our lives clear and useful light. Free us from hiding in fear and from serving for applause.

Teach

Teach it simply.

Emphasize that the goal of visible obedience is not self-promotion but that others glorify the Father.

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