Dietrich Bonhoeffer: Visible

How impossible, how utterly absurd it would be for the disciples, these disciples, such men as these, to try and become the light of the world! No, they are already the light, and the call has made them so. Nor does Jesus say: ‘You have the light.’ The light is not an instrument which has been put into their hands, such as their preaching. It is the disciples themselves.

The same Jesus who, speaking of Himself, said, ‘I am the light,’ says to His followers: ‘You are the light in your whole existence, provided you remain faithful to your calling. And since you are that light, you can no longer remain hidden, even if you want to.’ It is the property of light to shine. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. It can be seen for miles away, whether it is a fortified burgh, a stronghold, or a tottering ruin.

This city set on the hill, the Israelite would instinctively think of ‘Jerusalem on high,’ is the disciple community. But this is not to say that the disciples have now to make their first decision. The only necessary decision has already been taken. Now they must be what they really are. Otherwise, they are not followers of Jesus. The followers are a visible community...”

Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906–1945) in The Cost of Discipleship (New York: Macmillan, 1979), 131–132.
Click here to download this classic work.

Today marks the last day of exploring insights from Dietrich Bonhoeffer at this time. If you have not already done so, download the book for reading and sharing.

Yesterday, Bonhoeffer reminded us that Jesus says we are the salt of the earth. Today, he adds that we are the light of the world and offers important clarification.

Jesus did not say we “are to be” the light or that we “have” the light. When we live out our faith, we shine for Jesus. Our generosity shows His light and love to the world.

You can sense the urgency in these writings from Bonhoeffer. I am trying to echo that same urgency today.

Be what you are. Otherwise, you are not a follower of Jesus.