Whether one views Christ as a man, a myth, an ascended master, or as God Incarnate the Creator and Savior of the world, it is striking to contrast what he said with what he chose not to say.

Christ said, “You are the light of the world” (Matt. 5:14).

He didn’t say, “You’re a subordinate light, a lesser light, a reflected light, a borrowed light, an imitation light, or a substitute light.

He didn’t say, “You might be a light if you’re worthy” or “You have the potential to become a light.” He didn’t even say, “You are a light.”

Rather, he said, “You are the light.”

Christ also said, “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12).

Christ didn’t come to show us how different we are from him. He came to show us we are like him. He didn’t tell Peter, “Look how great I am walking on water.” He said, “Peter, come walk on the water with me.” And Peter did!

Christ didn’t come to show us his greatness. He came to show us ours.

You are the light.