Israel is the light of the world

Matt. 5:14

Jesus Christ is talking to Israel, not to the newly founded church.  According to Isaiah 60:1-5, Israel is the light of the world.  Today Matt. 5:14 has been interpreted to mean that Christians are the light of the world, and that is true.  Because Israel rejected Christ, He has also rejected them and turned to the Gentiles, who were also rejected by Israel.  Israel was supposed to shine as a light of salvation, hope and help in the darkness of this world.  But they didn't.

Isaiah 60:1-5, Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. 2  For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. 3  And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising. 4  Lift up thine eyes round about, and see: all they gather themselves together, they come to thee: thy sons shall come from far, and thy daughters shall be nursed at thy side. 5  Then thou shalt see, and flow together, and thine heart shall fear, and be enlarged; because the abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee, the forces of the Gentiles shall come unto thee.