light and Light Matthew 5:14-15

Matthew 5:14-15 (NASB)

“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 lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.

John 8:12 (NASB)
Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “ I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.”

In Matthew Jesus tells His disciples, "You are the light of the world."

In John Jesus tells His disciples, "I am the Light of the world."

There is no contradiction or confusion here.

Notice the difference.

Jesus is the Light of the world.

We are the light of the world.

l and L

John 8:12

As we follow Him, we do not walk in darkness, we have the Light of life.

Matthew 5:15

 "nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket,

but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house."

He is the Light-we are the lamp, the vessel the Light shines through. 

We have a responsibility.

We are to shine,

not hide under a "basket" of

regret

business

busyness

fear                                                                       

religious activity

indifference

apathy

ignorance

laziness

(or anything else you can think of)

We have a responsibility.

We are to let the Light of life shine on everyone "in the house"-

those we "live life" with everyday-

family

coworkers

friends

aquaintances

all those we come into contact with in our circle of influence

in our homes

at work

at play

as we go about our business.

The lamps mentioned in this passage required fuel (oil) to be added, wicks had to be trimmed.

We cannot possibly be useful lamps

if we hide,

if we are not being refueled daily,

if we are not allowing our wicks to be trimmed.

Matthew 5:14-15 (NASB)

¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; ¹⁵ nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house."