Carrying The Light Means Helping Others See

One of the most common themes in Jesus' teaching and ministry (particularly in John's Gospel) was that he was intent on bringing light into a dark world.  

In his first sermon, as recorded in Luke chapter 4, he declares that, among other things, he also intended to bring "sight to the blind."  

These two things go hand in hand throughout his ministry, both in a literal and figurative sense.  Not only did Jesus heal the blind, but he also sought to cure spiritual blindness to the reality of God's light in the world. 

When he declared to his followers that they carried the light of the world within them, it was an indication of how he wanted them to live their lives and continue his mission.  

As followers of Christ, we are called to carry out His mission of bringing light into a world often shadowed by the darkness of sin, death, and evil. 

But true Christian purpose goes beyond simply proclaiming that the light exists; it involves awakening those who are blind to its presence—those who cannot see because of wounds, misunderstandings, or spiritual exhaustion. 

The essence of Jesus' mission was not merely to demonstrate the light but to open the eyes of those trapped in darkness, pain, or skepticism. 

The renowned psychologist and philosopher Carl Jung’s words offer a profound reflection that anyone who seeks to follow Christ should reflect upon: 

“With a truly tragic delusion, these theologians fail to see that it is not a matter of proving the existence of the light, but of blind people who do not know that their eyes could see. It is high time we realized that it is pointless to praise the light and preach it if nobody can see it. It is much more needful to teach people the art of seeing.” 

This quote challenges us to shift our focus from just declaring the light’s existence to actively helping others see clearly. It reminds us that our role as believers is to be good stewards of compassion, patience, and understanding, guiding others to recognize the divine light that is already within them and around them. 

Jesus Himself modeled this when He healed the blind and said in John 8:12, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” 

Yet, notice that His mission often included opening the eyes of those who could not see—the spiritually blind, the wounded, the skeptical.

Our responsibility is to be intentional in helping others see the love, grace, and redemption offered through Jesus. This requires humility and a deep desire to understand their wounds, doubts, and fears. 

We are called to be light-bearers who don’t just talk about Jesus’ light but actively reflect it in our actions, words, and genuine compassion. We are to be guides—those who help others see what they may have been blind to for years.

I encourage you to explore what it means to truly help open the eyes of those who cannot see the light of God’s love and redemption because of their wounds toward Christianity, the Church, or religion. 

It might mean listening without judgment, extending grace beyond expectations, or patiently demonstrating Christ’s love through service. When we embody this mission, we become co-laborers with Christ in restoring sight, awakening souls, and illuminating pathways to hope.

Let us not waste energy merely proving the light exists; instead, let us dedicate ourselves to teaching others the art of seeing—seeing not just with our eyes, but with our hearts, so that all who are blind might encounter the transforming radiance of God’s love.

May it be so, and may the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you now and always. Amen.