Do Others See the Light In You? (Daily Devotional)

Scripture: Luke 8:16-18

Devotional:

1. The Light That Must Not Be Hidden

Jesus spoke these words immediately after the Parable of the Sower. He shifts the image from seed to light—from what is planted within us to what must shine out of us. The light He describes is the gospel message, the Word of God, and ultimately Christ Himself—the Light of Truth (John 8:12).

The warning is simple:

You don’t hide light.

You display it.

You carry it.

You live it.

Just as in the Parable of the Talents (Matt. 25:14-30), where the wicked servant buried what was entrusted to him, Jesus calls out the danger of burying the light—keeping the gospel hidden, dormant, unused, or suppressed. The question Jesus presses into our hearts to ask daily: Do others see the light of Christ in you?

2. Spiritual Blindness and the Gift of Revelation

What we are warned against in verse 17 is spiritual blindness. Some hear the Word but treat it as a relic, an old document, or a distant story. Others approach Scripture with denial, pride, or apathy. And Jesus plainly states—they will be unable to understand it.

But to those who approach His Word with humility— with eyes to see and ears to hear— God reveals truth.

This is the promise embedded in verse 17:

When you earnestly seek the Lord…

When you pursue His wisdom…

When you ask Him to help you understand and obey…“Nothing will be hidden.”

Christ, the Light, will illuminate the meaning of His Word. And when His Word is revealed and received—like the seed planted in good soil—it produces growth. It multiplies. The light shines even brighter.

3. When Light Is Displayed… More Light Is Given

Verse 18 echoes the Parable of the Talents again:

Those who listen, receive, and spread the gospel light— More will be given to them.

More understanding.

More revelation.

More boldness.

More fruit.

And...the more you display the light…

The more God entrusts to you.

But the one who hides the light of the gospel, even though safely buried, will have it removed from him.

Reflection Considerations:

Ask Yourself…

• Am I placing the gospel message on a lampstand for others to see, or am I tucking it away under a basket of fear, comfort, or convenience?

• When people encounter me, do they detect the light of Christ—or do I blend with the world’s shadow?

• Do I approach Scripture with humility, asking God to reveal what I cannot see on my own?

• Have I taken for granted what God has entrusted to me—gifts, time, testimony, truth?

• What specific areas of my life need to come out of hiding so His light can shine?

 Journaling Prompts:

1. “Lord, show me where I have hidden Your light." Write about any area where God is nudging you toward openness or boldness.

2. “What has God entrusted to me that I have buried?” This may be a testimony, a gift, a truth, or a calling.

3. “How is God revealing His Word to me right now?” Describe a passage, insight, or truth that recently illuminated your heart.

4. “What does it look like for my lamp to be set on a lampstand this week?” Identify one practical, visible way to shine His light.

5. “What fears keep me from displaying the gospel?” Let the Holy Spirit speak into these areas as you write.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, the Light of Truth, thank You for placing Your light within me through the gospel. Forgive me for the times I have hidden what You entrusted to me—when fear dimmed my courage, when comfort buried my obedience, when pride or distraction kept me from receiving Your Word.

 Please open my eyes to see and my ears to hear. Reveal the truths that my own blindness has hidden. Illumine Your Word so that I may understand, obey, and be transformed.

 Make my life a lamp on a stand— visible, radiant, unmistakably Yours. Give me boldness to proclaim Your truth, faithfulness to display Your light,

and humility to keep seeking more of You. Shine through me, Lord, until others see not me, but Christ. Amen.