We Are The Light of The World (Matt 5:14)

What does it mean to be "the light of the world" that Jesus claims we are? It is important to understand the answer to this question as we are commanded to be a light and not to hide it. Note that being light to the world is distinguished from being the salt of the Earth (I will cover what it means to be the salt of the Earth in another post).

The Example of Jesus as "The Light"
Since Jesus lives in and through those with saving faith, and since we are to be like Him, statements made about Jesus and by Jesus reveal what it means to be a light.

In Matthew 4:16-17, we are told that Jesus, the Great light (or morning star), preached repentance from the beginning (or dawning) of His ministry to those sitting in great darkness, in the land and shadow of death.

Recall also that Simeon blesses Jesus as a baby and says the following over Him:

...then he took Him into his arms, and blessed God, and said, "...For my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, A LIGHT OF REVELATION TO THE GENTILES, And the glory of Your people Israel. ... [and speaking to Mary] Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign to be opposed-- and a sword will pierce even your own soul--to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed."

So Jesus was the light of God's revelation to the Gentiles! Simeon says that this meant He was going to be a sign of opposition, causing the rise and fall of many in Israel. Also, being a light meant revealing the thoughts of hearts. In Mark 4:22, Jesus states: "For nothing is hidden, except to be revealed; nor has anything been secret, but that it would come to light."

The Bible defines the source of light (the Word and commandments of God) in the following:

1. Prov 6:23 states: "For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching is light; And reproofs for discipline are the way of life."
2. In Psalm 119:105-112, David declares "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. I have taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow your righteous laws."

...more to come

My List of Bible Study Resources

I thought I would start off by giving you a list of all the resources that I frequently use for Bible study.

• The first and by far best resource I have ever come across for the price is the e-Sword Bible software by Rick Meyers available from http://e-sword.net/ free of charge! You can download many different free Bible versions including the International Standard Version (ISV), Modern King James (MKJV), KJV with Strongs, the New American Study Bible (NASB w/strongs, $20), as well as many other commentaries, a Bible reading plan tool, a prayer list and reminder tool and much more! Probably the best 2 features are being able to search the entire Bible for a word, phrase, or strong's number and secondly the Topic and Study notes capability where you can store all your notes. It is a very easy program to use and you will not be disappointed!


• The NET Bible is also an excellent translation with very extensive translator notes which are very helpful. You can either use the online version here or download it for your computer here or even as an add-on for e-Sword. The NET Bible also includes the Apocrophal books in case this interests you.


• Another good online study tool (if you don't have access to e-Sword) is the BlueLetterBible at http://blueletterbible.org/.
• Another tool I am using is a Greek-English interlinear called the Apostles' Bible for Genesis to Revelation which you can download in PDF format for free from here: http://septuagint-interlinear-greek-bible.com/ .


• Finally, I have been totally blessed by my Bible on audio CD which has allowed me to listen to the Bible many, many times already. By listening to an entire book in one session while doing dishes, for example, I am able to get a better feel for the context and a broader understanding of the text. I am also able to listen while I work or while I am driving to/from work. It is excellent for those who have a very busy lifestyle. This tool has been indispensable! I purchased the NIV multivoice w/music version of the entire Bible on CD and then burned it onto MP3s and can take the entire Bible with me wherever I go on a few CDs or now on one of those small flash MP3 players! HIGHLY recommended!