The Effect of a Christ-Follower - Part 2

The Light of the World

            The second metaphor Jesus uses to describe His followers is light. He says they are the light of the world. In the Scriptures, light and darkness have a moral connotation. Even in popular culture today, we see this concept brought out various ways. The Star Wars movies, for example, speak of the “dark side”—referring to the evil side of the force. People may talk about dark magic. In the Bible we read, “God is light and in Him is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5). In other words, God is absolutely perfect in nature. The world, in contrast, is characterized as being in darkness. Matthew says of Jesus’ coming: “The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light” (Matthew 4:16a). And Jesus Himself said, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life” (John 8:12). God is described in terms of light (perfection), and Jesus reflects the same nature. He who is light has come into a dark world.

In this sermon, Jesus calls His followers light. They, as Peter states, have been called out of darkness into the marvelous light of God (1 Peter 2:9). Jesus’ people are light in a derivate sense. They do not shine in and of themselves but are reflecting the light that has come into their lives. Just as the moon shines on a dark night, not because it is bright on its own but because it reflects the sun, followers of Christ are to be those who reflect “the Son” into a dark world. Paul says Christians are to strive to “become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:14–15).

So if Jesus’ followers are light, what exactly are they supposed to do? First of all, light exposes what is in the dark.  The Scripture instructs believers to “have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them” (Eph. 5:11). It is noteworthy that many people feel uncomfortable when they perceive someone to be righteous. R.C. Sproul tells about a professional golfer who had the opportunity to play a round of golf with Gerald Ford, Jack Niklaus, and Billy Graham (the famous preacher). When the game was over, the professional golfer was irate when asked about how things went, mentioning he doesn’t like religion stuffed down his throat.

His friend said quietly, “Was Billy a little rough on you out there?”

The pro heaved and embarrassed sigh and said, “No, he didn’t even mention religion. I just had a bad round.”

Astonishing. Billy Graham had not said a word about God, Jesus, or religion, yet the pro had stormed away after the game accusing Billy of trying to ram religion down his throat. How can we explain this? It’s really not difficult. Billy Graham didn’t have to say a word; he didn’t have to give a single sideways glance to make the pro feel uncomfortable. Billy Graham is so identified with religion, so associated with the things of God, that his very presence is enough to smother the wicked person who flees when no one pursues. (Sproul, 67)

Jesus said that “everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed” (John 3:20). Jesus, as the light of the world, revealed the evil nature and practices of people, and his followers will have this same effect if they are reflecting His light in their lives.

            But light not only exposes, it also shows the way. If you are walking through a room in the light, it may seem that there is plenty of space to move around without bumping into anything. But try walking through the same room in the dark, and the task will become much more difficult and dangerous. In a dark world, it is difficult for people to really know where they are headed and how to traverse safely. Jesus brought the light of the gospel (meaning good news), and his followers are called to do the same. The gospel not only exposes the presence of evil but shows the way to God. Paul says that the gospel “is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16). Most people are groping about, trying to find a way to be good enough and make some sense out of life, when Jesus says what we really need is Him; what we really need is the power of God in our lives. Jesus’ lights are to be showing people the way to God—the way to peace, safety, and blessing.

Works Cited:

R.C. Sproul, The Holiness of God (Wheaton: Tyndale House Publishers, 1985, 1998).

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the New King James Version.  Copyright © 1979, 1980, 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.