What Jesus Did! 'Light!' — Matthew 5:14-16

Sunday, February 16, 2025

[Jesus continued:] "You are the light of the world — like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 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. 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

Key Thought

One of the great things about camping out in the country is that you can get away from the city lights and really see the stars. When you are away from the city, a full moon is bright enough to find your way around in the night. The sky is full of light from the stars. In a world of darkness, we are those who have come from darkness into light. We are to reflect the light we have found in Jesus. Notice that Jesus' point: We are not to limit our lights to our own little circle of influence. We are to take every possible opportunity to shine them so that places of darkness are either brought to the light or exposed for what they are.

Today's Prayer

Help me, O God, to be a light to those near and far. Lead me into ways of service that will bless people in the name of Jesus. I am concerned, Lord God, about several folks that I know personally and that need to become Christians. (Mention them by name.) Help me to be your light of joy and salvation that will help them come to know you as their Heavenly Father. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

45 Related Resources by Heartlight

Matthew 5:14-16
Devo: Today's Verse
"[Jesus said] "You are the light of the world. Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.""
Glow in the Dark Spiders
Article by
Inevitably, the darkness will weigh on them, exhaust them, and feel altogether overwhelming to them. Then, they can come to the light to re-charge, but they can't glow in the light! Jordan Harrell learned from her son's fascination with glow-in-the-dark spiders that we are made to shine in darkness, not sit under a light.
More than Falling Dominoes
Article by Phil Ware
Is the interconnectedness of our world really such bad news? The interconnectedness of our world isn't bad, but really an opportunity to do good and bring redemptive influence.
Power to Change People
Article by Paul Faulkner
Can anything change our decaying culture for the better? Paul Faulkner cites a recent Wallstreet Journal report on domestic violence and observes that change happens one man and one family at a time.
See All 45 Related Resources about Matthew 5:14-16

Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 5:14-16 NLT — "You are the light of the world — like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Sunday, February 16, 2025

Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Morning Thought: Colossians 2:9, 10
"All the attributes of Christ, as God and man, are at our disposal. All the fulness of the Godhead, whatever that marvellous term may comprehend, is..."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Christ, Our Yes' (2 Co. 1:12-20)
"Amen! Yes! Abba, Dear Father, Let me find pride in this - that my conscience testifies that I live my life in this world with holiness and godly..."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Use Me to Open the Eyes of the Lost'
"The Lord also said, "I will protect you from the Jews and from the Gentiles that I am sending you to. I want you to open their eyes, so that they..."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'Yes, Sing His Praises' (1 Ch. 16:9)
"Sing to him; yes, sing his praises. Tell everyone about his wonderful deeds."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!