Day Two Matthew 5:14-16
14 “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” – Matthew 5:14-16 (NLT)
Learn From the Word
Jesus didn’t tell His disciples to become salt or light. He told them that they are salt and light. This is a high calling from Jesus considering He also called Himself the light of the world. Jesus teaches us that light has a role and a responsibility: it should not be hidden, it doesn’t exist for itself, it gives light to everyone around it, and it points to something greater.
Put It Into Practice
As you consider these words from Jesus today, ask yourself two questions:
1. Are you shining as a light for Jesus in a dark world or is your light hidden?
2. Are your good deeds pointing others to God or to yourself?
Yesterday you thought about things you may need to remove or change to remain like pure salt. Today take the next step and ask God what good deed you could do that might point someone to Him. Remember Matthew 7:24 when Jesus finishes the Sermon on the Mount with these words: “Whoever hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock” (NIV, emphasis added). Don’t stop at just hearing.
For Families with Kids at Home
Have your kids act out Jesus' parable: take a flashlight into a dark room and place it under a box or basket. Point out that just a little bit of light can make a big difference in a dark room. Just like the flashlight, we carry the light of Jesus wherever we go, and we’re called to shine that light by looking and acting like Jesus would!
Ask your kids if they’ve ever had a time when they felt like they had to hide their light because they were embarrassed. Encourage them that in the same way, a little light can make a big difference, so even a little light from your kids can make a big difference in someone’s life!