A City set on a Hill

Jesus says these words to his Disciples when sitting with them on a mountain. It's recorded in Matthew 5:1-15 This passage has several things it is important for us to know about evangelism.

1. Since it is addressed to the disciples and just before the picture painted of the words of our title (verse 14a) it is clear that Jesus intends us to understand that it is the Church (those who are characterized as having the attributes we have come to know as the Beatitudes) who are to be known as the "light of the world." This is important whenever we consider that it is often the unbelieving who give the impression of being the "movers and shakers" in society. In reality it is the people of God who have the clearest view of what is important in life. That's because the beatitudes show the difference between man as God intended him to be and man as the world imagines he ought to be.

2. The City set on a hill is easy to find - in fact Jesus reminds us it cannot be hidden. In the darkness of evening or night (the situation pictured in this section) such a city is seen long before we can see its lights by the glow in the sky. Then, as we draw nearer, we can see the lights on the horizon making it clear that there are a large collection of dwellings there. And as we finally arrive at the final approaches to the city we begin to discern the individual dwellings and the illuminations within which give a glimpse of the lives of the people who make their homes within her gates.So it is with the Church, her influence is seen afar off. Then as we draw nearer we gain a view of the way she stands for truth. And, finally as we enter in the gates we see her love for her Lord and his for her in the lives of individual Christians.

3. The city cannot be hidden - it is perceived because of its nature. It doesn't have to have a program in order to be noticed. It doesn't have to have announcements on placards or boards in order to be noticed. Those things may have a function in letting people what particular city they have come across or in order to let people know what amenities are available in the city. But, in order to be noticed, all the citizens have to do is act as citizens should - in accordance with the King's laws.

4. The city was set (notice the passive voice). It did not set itself there on the hilltop - it had to have been founded, and since Jesus was talking about the Kingdom of heaven it seems reasonable to assume this city was set there by the Lord of the kingdom. This speaks of God's purpose in setting the city on the hilltop. It was so it would draw all men to it and through it, him.