The Short Stories of Jesus: Shine
Jesus told so many stories as part of his ministry on Earth. They were relatable, recognisable illustrations that help people to connect with what he was teaching, and help us to connect with God. These stories – these parables – are the focus of our current sermon series.
As we were unable to live stream this week’s 11:00am service, here is a look at this week’s passage from Matthew 5:14-16:
“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. 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. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven.”
Shine
Sermon by Tim Sanderson
It’s good to shine, and Jesus, in this short and straightforward parable says, go and shine. Whether the room lights up when you walk into it, or you’re just a bit shy, Jesus says shine.
Some parables need a lot of unpacking and explaining, while others don’t, and this one is about as clear as they get: Jesus is the light of the world, and as his disciples we are called to shine his light to others.
Don’t hide the light – let it shine out like a city on a hill, bold and intentional.
Don’t hide it under a bowl in the kitchen – uncover the light and let it shine.
If ever there was a parable that was straightforward, it’s this one. Go and shine.
For those listening at the time, it would have meant thinking about all they had been taught about God being the light of the world. Light is one of the chief metaphors used in the Bible to describe God. From his very first words in Genesis, “Let there be light!” to the city of light in Revelation at the end of time where we learn, “The glory of God gives it light so there is no need for sun or moon.” Light is everywhere in the Bible when it comes to God.
In Exodus 34, just after Moses has received the Ten Commandments and encountered the presence of God, his face was so radiant, reflecting the light of God, that he had to put on a veil because God’s people were too scared to come near him.
In Isaiah 42, 49, 52, and 60, time and time again God’s people are told that not only was the time coming when the servant of the Lord would restore Israel, but he would be the light to the gentiles – that’s the whole world. His light could no longer be contained within one nation and people.
And in John 8, Jesus himself says, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
But what is so wonderful about this little parable, is that we are invited to join in. Jesus says you know the theology, you know all about the light to the gentiles, and God’s plans to bring hope and restoration to the whole world; well, you are part of his plan to make it happen.
You are the light of the world.
So join in, says Jesus, with God’s creative words, “Let there be light,” and see light come to the dark places you encounter. Let your face shine with the glory of God. The time is here for the light to spill out into every part of the world. And you need to take it. So shine.
All this is summed up really well in Acts 13:
“For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, ‘I have made you a light for the gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’”
And in 2 Corinthians:
“The same God who created all things, who said, ‘Let light shine out of the darkness,’ is the one who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”
We are invited to join God in his mission of bringing light, and it happens by us not hiding our light and by praying that the good works of God’s people shine the light of the gospel to those around us. We preach the gospel and we live it as well. People encounter Jesus in what we do. We are the light of the world, reflecting the light of Jesus. So go and shine.
But what does that look like for you? What does it mean for me?
For me, this means three things.
1. Be careful with what you say
Firstly, to live out this parable, to shine means being careful with what I say and how I say it.
A word can build up or tear down. If you are a little flippant or minutely sarcastic like I can be, it’s thinking before you speak. Speak kindly to people.
In the wake of all the racist posts towards the England football team this week, it’s made me really think about how you shine on social media and how easy it is to get it wrong. I may not be targeting people with horrible comments, but as I interact online, am I letting Christ’s light shine through me in the way I engage with others? Do I encourage instead of criticise? Am I patient? Do I give others the benefit of the doubt? And so on.
2. Shine like a city on a hill
Secondly, what struck me in the parable is that to shine like a city on a hill, you actually have to climb up the hill in the first place. You have to put yourself out there.
Jesus said: “Let your light shine before others.”
He isn’t saying be an extrovert if you’re not. You don’t have to be loud to shine. Whether you’re timid or outgoing, we are all called to be a light to the people around us in ways that celebrate who each one of us is. So go out there, stuck in, but do it in ways that are true to yourself.
Where are you involved? Think about the places you find yourself during the week. Where can you shine?
3. Shine Jesus’ light, not your own
Thirdly, I was reminded that Jesus is asking us to shine His light, not our own, always pointing back to the light source.
Moses reflected the glory of God in his face, not his own glory. And we are called to do the same.
When Jesus said, “Let your light shine before others,” that wasn’t the whole sentence. He went on to give the reason why it’s important to shine: “so that they may see your good deeds and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16b)
Our goal should never be to bring recognition to ourselves, but to bring glory to God. We can all do that and it may look different for each one of us.
So, what will you do to shine?
By Tim Sanderson and Rachael Farrimond