Light

• Let’s review, what is a parable?

• It’s basically an illustration that teaches an applicable life lesson. Jesus was the greatest storyteller to ever live. He seldom just said things matter-of-factly. Rather, He would tell relatable stories that helped people understand complex principles.

• Simply put, a parable is a simple story that explains a spiritual truth.

ILLUSTRATION: Talk about seeing a lit-up Christmas tree in the daytime.

• Do you know that big tree at Rockefeller center in New York City? It looks gorgeous on the television lighting ceremony — in the middle of the night.

• However, it looks pretty lame in person around noon. It was just a massive, brown tree in the middle of a city block. It’s covered in over 50,000 lights, but they look dull when competing with the natural sunshine.

• The lights simply didn’t have the same impact in broad daylight. Why is that? Light is most effective in the dark.

TENSION

• Light is central to our lives. It helps us see. It helps us celebrate. It makes driving safe and helps airplanes land.

• In this passage, Jesus is saying that you are the light.

• This section is directly connected to the previous parable calling us “the salt of the earth.” (12-13)

• Jesus’ disciples are not only “the salt of the earth” but also “the light of the world.”

• The light metaphor continues the salt metaphor with a slightly different emphasis:

• Salt is subtle, light is obvious

• The lamp used in a typical Palestinian home was a tiny little piece of clay that reflected the flickering light of a candle.

• It was a small lamp, so it gave off very little light. Thus, to get the most light from the little vessel, they would place it on a lamp stand.

• This would raise the light over the room and give it maximum visibility. A small flickering flame could light an entire home when it was properly placed. This is why Jesus said "you put it on a stand and it gives light to everyone in the house."

• This brings us to a powerful principle — even a little light can make a major difference.

• During this sermon, Jesus was likely motioning over to the city of Tiberius.

• This was a booming hilltop city nestled just across the Sea of Galilee. The crowd could easily see it from where they were situated.

• At night, you could see that city from far, far away. The whole city was completely illuminated by little lamps placed on stands in high places. The sheer volume of lights paired with the high visibility of their elevation made the city look like a lighthouse on the Sea banks.

• The same should be said about you! Jesus is teaching us that you should stand out from your surroundings in a beautiful way.

• The light inside you should shine around you. Everyone should be able to see that there is something different about you.

— TRANSITION — 

• Just like all the lamps that lit up that beaming city, Jesus comes into our lives and lights us up from the inside out. Like each lamp in each home, he lights us up like a city on a hill.

• His love changes us into people who radiate love, joy, hope, and compassion that is evident to anyone who sees the way we live. This is what it looks like to live a lit-up life.

• Here are three life principles from this parable.

One: Jesus is the power source.

Illustration: Try to turn on an unplugged lamp.

• It’s pivotal that we find our power source. Light requires power. Spiritual light requires the power of Jesus.

• When the lamp is not plugged in, it won’t work. It’s not helpful. It’s just a dull bulb and a tacky shade. However, amazing things happen when it’s plugged into power.

• Some of you have felt powerless before. Maybe some of you are feeling that way now.

• It’s scary, unsettling, and makes you start to feel purposeless. 

• Hear this. Power is possible. You just need to find the right source.

• There is good news.

• There is something more powerful than your mood swings.

• There is a force more powerful than addiction.

• There is a force more powerful than doubt. 

• There is something more powerful than all your problems, all your struggles, and all your pain.

• All this power is found in one Person…his name is Jesus. 

• Plug into the power of Jesus, then his light will shine through you.

Two: We are saved in order to shine.

• Jesus is the source, but this passage says that you are the light.

• Look at the beautiful moon. People paint pictures of it, write songs about it, and there are famous children’s books all about the moon.

• However, the moon is just a big ball of space dirt. It doesn’t produce any light on it’s own. Rather, it reflects the light from the Sun.

• Our light works the same way. We are not called to make our own light. Rather, we are called to reflect the light of the Son of God.

• We must recognize that Jesus comes into our lives and lights us up -- and people take notice.

• Reflect the Son. Shine your light.

Three: The light drives out darkness.

• Have you ever used your cell phone’s screen as a flashlight?

• During the day, the glow is practically unnoticeable. However, it can light up a whole room at night.

• This proves an important principle. Light destroys darkness.

• No matter how much darkness surrounds us, a little bit of light will draw it out.

• John 1:5 says, "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

• Sadly, our world can be full of darkness— bullying at school, depression, destructive lies, broken relationships, and so much pain.

• Be the light by illuminating those dark situations. Reveal God's goodness everywhere you go.

• Your love can overcome hate.

• Your encouragement can speak louder than lies that tear down.

• Your friendship can change the entire direction of someone’s life. 

Landing:

• Here is the challenge: Be the light.

• There is a whole lot of darkness around you every day. You need to be like a light and change the environment.

• If there are kids in your school who always sit alone— be the light.

• If you know someone going through a really hard time in her family — be the light.

• If someone’s whole mood has changed recently and you’re worried about them— be the light.

• Light can drive out darkness. Light can change lives.

• Are you being the light? Or just casting a shadow?

TALK IT OUT 

Go through these questions with your circle. Be honest. Be open. Talk through the tough stuff.

Q1: Think of someone you know who you would describe as a light. How would you describe that person? 

Q2: What "dark" circumstances give students the opportunity to shine for Christ?

Q3: How can you be a light in your school, church, sport, or family? Go around the circle giving examples.

Q4: Commit to being a light in one place or person's life this week. What will you do to shine God's goodness to those around you?

READING PLAN FOR LIGHT

READ THESE PASSAGES IN ORDER EVERY DAY

Acts 25:1-12 

Acts 25:13-27 

Ephesians 2:1-10 

Acts 24:1-13 

Acts 24:14-27 

Do the following with each passage: 

ASK– God to connect with you here. In prayer, start by slowing down and inviting God to be present. Begin with focus and openness to see what God has for you today.

READ– the selected section of Scripture slowly. Take note of the words and phrases that intrigue you, reading them a second time if necessary.

REFLECT– on what grabs you. How does this passage personally relate to your own life and experiences?

RESPOND– to the Scripture. Speak directly to God about what’s on your mind and heart. Look for ways to live out what you’ve uncovered.