Shine Your Light: A Message to My Youth Group

Based on Matthew 5:1-16

This morning, in a focused rush, I stopped at the shop to buy a few things for the retreat. As I stepped up to the counter, the shopkeeper and his friend started asking questions. As I answered the first few questions, the other tasks I needed to finish before the retreat raced through my head. Yet, then I thought of our scripture reading for today, about being meek and pure in heart, about being the light of the world. The men’s questions continued into topics about justice- reflective of Jesus’ encouragement in the Beatitudes to be peacemakers and to seek righteousness. We discussed affirmative action, poverty, and differences between the US and South Africa- whether the US was better or not. Although I thought I was going to the shop to buy a few things, my more important task was to witness to what it means to be a Christian and to see God in others.
Close your eyes. Imagine looking out onto the large Sea of Galilee. You watch your teacher move away from the crowd and up the small mountain. With the other disciples, you follow your teacher up the hill. Your teacher, Jesus, seems to be a many of mystery, for he always seems to surprise and challenge you with his words. He turns towards you and begins to speak… (I then read Matthew 5:1-13).
In the Beatitudes, Jesus shares the ideal characteristics of a person. With these characteristics, a person will be blessed, also interpreted as satisfied or happy. You will be blessed if you are merciful… pure in heart… peacemakers… persecuted.
Why would we follow these characteristics? Why would we want to be blessed? Jesus is a miracle worker in people’s lives and he is the giver of new life. He not only worked miracles or gave life two thousand years ago, but he also works miracles and gives life today. Jesus Christ sacrificed his life so that we could live. We should walk in his footsteps as a living sacrifice.
“You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14a). When Jesus told his followers that each is a light in this world, he did not distinguish between whether or not each followed the Beatitudes. Each person who follows Jesus is a light in this world.
You are each a light of the world. God has given each of you so many gifts to share, and thereby give glory to God. Please don’t hide your light. Shine for all to see.
“…Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in Heaven.” – Matthew 5:16
Amen.