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“You are the light of the world.” Those are not the words of a preacher, a prophet, or an apostle. They are the words of Jesus Himself, spoken to His disciples.
> “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden…
> Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works
> and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
> — *Matthew 5:14, 16 (ESV)*
And again:
> “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus,
> giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
> — *Colossians 3:17 (ESV)*
The central theme in these lyrics is the calling and responsibility of every believer to manifest the life of Christ openly, visibly, practically, so that people do not glorify us, but glorify the Father in heaven. This is not optional. This is not for “special Christians.” This is the normal Christian life.
The song paraphrases and amplifies the words of Jesus:
This brings us to a central biblical truth: the life of Christ in us must be visible, practical, and God-centered, or it is being concealed.
Let us look at what the Word of God says about this light, this calling, and this responsibility.
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### The Setting of Matthew 5
Matthew 5 is the beginning of what we call the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus has just begun His public ministry. He has called disciples to Himself. Crowds are beginning to gather because of His teaching and His miracles.
> “Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him.
> And he opened his mouth and taught them…”
> — *Matthew 5:1–2*
The words “You are the light of the world” are addressed, first and foremost, to disciples — to those who had responded to His call, left their former lives, and committed themselves to follow Him. This is important: you do not become light by human effort, but by relationship with Jesus.
In John’s Gospel, Jesus says:
> “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness,
> but will have the light of life.”
> — *John 8:12*
Jesus is the original Light. By following Him, we share in His light. Then, in Matthew 5, the same Jesus says to His disciples, “You are the light of the world.” His light in us becomes our light to the world.
### “A City on a Hill” and the Public Nature of Discipleship
The image of a “city set on a hill” (Matthew 5:14) would have been vivid to His hearers. Cities in that region were often built on elevated ground. At night, their lights could be seen from far away. They could not be hidden.
Jesus is stating a principle: true discipleship cannot remain invisible. If you are truly His, you will be seen. Your life will inevitably stand out in contrast to the surrounding darkness.
Then He gives another picture: a lamp.
> “Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand,
> and it gives light to all in the house.”
> — *Matthew 5:15*
In the ancient world, lighting a lamp cost something. Oil was not cheap. No one would waste the cost of the oil by lighting a lamp and then hiding it. They placed it where it would give maximum benefit.
So we see:
If we hide the light, we frustrate the very purpose of God.
### The Context of Colossians 3:17
Colossians 3 addresses the new life in Christ. Paul has already stated:
> “For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.”
> — *Colossians 3:3*
Because of this, believers are commanded to:
Then he describes Christlike character: compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, forgiveness, love (3:12–14). Finally, he sums it all up in one comprehensive statement:
> “And whatever you do, in word or deed,
> do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus,
> giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
> — *Colossians 3:17*
This is the Colossians parallel to “Let your light shine.” It defines how the light is to shine:
So the song rightly ties together Matthew 5 and Colossians 3. The light that shines is expressed in good works and God-centered living.
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### 1. “Light” — Greek: *phōs* (φῶς)
In Matthew 5:14, the word “light” is *phōs*. From this word we get English words like “photo” (light) and “phosphorus” (light-bearing).
*Phōs* in the New Testament is not merely physical light. It is frequently used to describe:
So when Jesus says, “You are the light of the world,” He is not saying:
“You are a little bit nicer than other people,” but:
“You are the carriers of divine revelation, truth, and moral clarity in a dark world. My very life and nature are to be manifested through you.”
The lyrics echo this idea:
Full of goodness, righteousness, truth”
This resonates with Ephesians 5:8–9:
> “For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.
> Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true).”
### 2. “Good deeds/works” — Greek: *erga kala* (ἔργα καλά)
In Matthew 5:16, “good works” is *erga kala*.
This is not just “busy activity.” It is morally beautiful, God-reflecting action. Works that carry the fragrance of Christ. The kind of goodness that is not merely human niceness, but supernatural, Spirit-produced fruit.
The lyrics express this dimension:
Will draw them to worship the One on the throne”
When Jesus speaks of *erga kala*, He is speaking of:
These are not done to impress people, but to reveal the Father.
Understanding *phōs* and *erga kala* together, we see:
The light is the life of God; the good works are the visible expression of that light.
---
Let us now walk through the themes in the lyrics and examine them in the light of Scripture.
### A. “You are the light of the world… A city on a hill…”
The opening lines:
> You are the light of the world
> A city on a hill cannot be hidden
> No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket
> Instead, they set it on a stand
> So it gives light to everyone in the house
This is almost a straight rendering of Matthew 5:14–15. Several key truths emerge:
1. Identity before activity
Jesus does not say, “Try to be light.” He declares, “You are the light.”
Our activity (shining) flows from our identity (light). This identity is received in new birth and union with Christ.
2. Visibility is part of God’s design
A city on a hill “cannot be hidden.” If your Christianity is entirely private, unseen, and unnoticed, something is out of order. The essence of light is that it reveals. Darkness conceals; light exposes.
3. God has “placed” you
The lamp is “set on a stand.” It is not random. The Father has deliberately placed you:
That is your “lampstand.” The purpose is: “So it gives light to everyone in the house.”
The “house” may be your literal household, your circle of influence, or your community. But the principle stands: light is for others, not for itself.
### B. “Let your light shine before others…”
> Let your light shine before others
> That they may see your good deeds
> And glorify your Father in heaven
This is again a direct echo of Matthew 5:16. We must notice the sequence:
1. Let your light shine – That is our responsibility.
2. That they may see your good deeds – That is the visible result.
3. And glorify your Father in heaven – That is the ultimate purpose.
If people see our “good deeds” but end up glorifying us, something is wrong. That would contradict the very intention of Jesus’ words. True *erga kala* direct attention upwards.
The lyrics explain this motive:
> In the same way, live so your light breaks through
> Let people see the good things you do
> Not for your praise, but to point up above
> So hearts turn to God and feel His love
This aligns exactly with 1 Peter 2:12:
> “Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable,
> so that when they speak against you as evildoers,
> they may see your good deeds (*erga kala*)
> and glorify God on the day of visitation.”
The aim is not self-promotion, but God-glorification. Any “good work” that terminates in our praise has already lost its spiritual value.
### C. The Nature of the Light: Kindness, Truth, Mercy
> Your kindness, your truth, your mercy shown
> Will draw them to worship the One on the throne
These three words — kindness, truth, mercy — are expressions of the fruit of the Spirit and the character of God.
This is consistent with Ephesians 5:9: “the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true.”
Theologically, this means:
### D. “Whatever you do… Do it all in the name of the Lord”
> Whatever you do, in word or in deed
> Do it all in the name of the Lord
> Give thanks to the Father through Jesus His Son
This is a direct link to Colossians 3:17.
Notice three elements:
1. Scope – “Whatever you do, in word or deed” — nothing is excluded: speech, behavior, routine tasks, relationships, work, ministry.
2. Sphere – “In the name of the Lord Jesus” — to act “in His name” means:
We cannot rightly do anything in His name that contradicts His nature or His teaching.
3. Spirit – “Giving thanks to God the Father through Him” — gratitude is the atmosphere in which the light shines.
This shows us that “letting your light shine” is not limited to public religious acts. Washing dishes, professional work, parenting, serving, speaking — when done in His name and with thanksgiving, they become “good works” that glorify God.
The song then connects Colossians with Ephesians:
> Live as children of light, bearing good fruit
> Full of goodness, righteousness, truth
> Find out what pleases Him, walk in His ways
This closely parallels Ephesians 5:8–10:
> “Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true),
> and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.”
This shows us that shining involves ongoing discernment: “What pleases the Lord here? How does He want His light expressed in this situation?”
### E. “Don’t hide the hope… The world is in darkness”
> Don’t hide the hope that’s burning inside
> The world is in darkness, but you’ve been made light
This touches a vital point: the contrast between the believer and the world.
Scripture states clearly:
Notice: before Christ, we were not merely living in darkness — we were “darkness.” In Christ, we are not merely in the light — we “are light.”
The enemy seeks to do with believers what he has done with the world: cover them with darkness, silence their testimony, intimidate them into hiding.
But Scripture commands:
> “Arise, shine, for your light has come,
> and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
> For behold, darkness shall cover the earth,
> and thick darkness the peoples;
> but the Lord will arise upon you,
> and his glory
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