# 28 2016 Dev. Mt. 5:14. The purpose of these devotionals is to draw closer to God by memorizing selected passages of Scripture. Further, to view the passage in context and grow spiritually by applying His Word to our daily living with family, friends and others. All passages are taken from the NIV.
Mathew 5:14
14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden”.
This verse is part of the Sermon on the Mount. The introduction tells us there was a large crowd, Jesus moved to a high place, called his disciples to Him and started to teach. Jesus taught his disciples, He taught the crowd and now He also teaches us. Jesus’ message covers three chapters of Mt. 5,6,7. His teaching is revolutionary! He turned a very legal understanding of God’s Word, probably the Septuagint, upside down! This is a guide to all the teachings of the New Testament, the New Covenant of Jesus’ blood, His sacrifice for us, this is the way of Jesus.
Mt. 5: 3-12 is the baseline for the message, these nine attitudes and accompanying blessings allow us, in the power of the Holy Spirit, to hear the Way of Jesus and follow the Way of Jesus. From Jesus’ time on earth true Christians are people of the Way. Jesus teaches on murder, adultery, divorce, punishment, love, giving, prayer, wealth, worry, judging others, and trusting. He ends his message with the parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders. (Mt. 7:24-27)
Therefore, Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount compels His followers to be light in the world. Not only because Jesus commands it but also because they hold the key to the Light of God. The verse for this week is part of a larger section beginning in verse 13-16 called “Salt and Light”. Following Jesus is a complete experience, we see the light, we feel the power, and we taste the goodness. But Jesus warns us that salt affects taste, life is sweet, spicy and good, we are the salt in society but if we lose our saltiness we lose our good affect on those around us.
We also “are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.” A light is lit for the purpose of giving light and must not be hidden, Jesus tells us. God’s light shines through Jesus’ followers, let’s keep it high and bright. Jesus wants everyone to see our good works, not for our own praise but to the praise of God our Father! Shine on!
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