JESUS CHRIST, THE ALPHA AND THE OMEGA: EDUCATION WITH CHRISTIAN VALUES FOR TRANSFORMATION

John 8:12; Matthew 5:14

Introduction

After teaching the beatitudes to the people as part of what is known as the "Sermon on the Mount", Jesus puts to them that "You are the light of the world." Before the light, He said, "You are the salt of the earth." 

Salt as a consumable dissolves inward and disappears. The salt signifies the inward character transformation of the individual to live the Christ kind of life.

The light, which is our focus for this week, reflects outwardly. This is about the revealing testimony of Christian life to society.

The message of the light of the world was directed to the crowd. The "You" here is not for church leaders, Presbyters, Reverend Ministers, Deacons, Bishops, or Pastors only, it is for all who love Christ.

Bing the Light of the World

1. Christ is the Source of Light

Just as the moonlight is a reflection of the sunlight, Christians reflect the light of Christ to the world. "Jesus spoke to them, saying, “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). It is our diligent follow of Christ that makes us light to the world. 

The Psalmist puts it, "For with you is the fountain of life; in your light do we see light." (Psalms 36:9). You become the light of the world only when you humbly and faithfully follow and receive Christ's light - continuous Christian living.

The Christian calling by God is to give us light to the nations - "“I am the LORD; I have called you in righteousness; I will take you by the hand and keep you; I will give you as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations," (Isaiah 42:6)

2. You Light up Where it is Dark

The essence of light is the presence of darkness. Wherever and whenever darkness comes on our path or that of others, we are reminded to shine brighter. Our light is to the world which Jesus tells us of its darkness and hatred (John 15:18-27). 

Light of the world means, the light of the darkness. The world would only come to us with hatred - darkness meanwhile, we are expected to light up in their darkness.

Being the light to this dark world draws our attention that we must never put off our light or put Christ aside in everything we do. Have you ever heard or said, "let's put Bible aside..."? This mostly comes when darkness wants to dim or put off our light in Christ. Keep shining even when it is most uncomfortable and humiliating, only remember that, Christ Jesus walked that path, "should not the servants tread it still."

3. You are an Overcomer

 The Bible says, "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." (John 1:3-5). Christ's light in us overcomes every darkness, therefore, we are overcomers. The light we reflect in the world brings people to the saving arms of God, God says, "I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth." (Isa. 49:6) We overcome the arms of Satan and snatch people under his bondage to God. 

As a light to the world, God has empowered you "to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness." (Isa 42:7) People born and bread in darkness needs our light as Christians to illuminate their paths to God. It is the power of the light that darkness cannot overcome. 

Jesus said, "But no one can enter a strong man's house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man. Then indeed he may plunder his house." (Mark 3:27). The shining light of the Christian gives us strength and power to bind and cast the devil and set free the oppressed.

Conclusion

One of the first to recognize Jesus as Christ, Simeon, referred to Him as "a light of revelation". The world in darkness indicates ignorance, evil, and blindness. God has called and made us light to give the light of revelation on earth and to lead all manner of persons to His Kingdom.

Shalom aleichem...