Salt and Light (Matthew 5:13-26)

​Salt was a valuable commodity in the ancient world. In Jesus’ time, salt was expensive, and it was a necessary part of food preservation and flavor.

By calling his disciples salt, Jesus is telling them that they are a valuable and necessary part of God’s plan. He is calling on them to add fullness and flavor to Christian life, to preserve the faith they have received and pass it on to others. The disciples are called to be living proof of God's love on earth. This means they are as basic to God’s word as salt is to human life, and if the disciples can’t be salt, then they will not be true disciples living as God desires them.

What It Means to Be a Salt?

Christians cannot allow themselves to lose their 'saltiness,' so to speak. It is not enough to simply be "salt;" Christians must take care to remain fresh and energetic in their devotion to God.

​If Salt Loses Its Taste

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Jesus tells his followers that they will be the ones to carry his light forth into the dark places of the world and the human heart.  It is by our love that the world is supposed to be able to recognize us as the people of God (John 13:35). It is by our boldness that the world is supposed to recognize that we have “been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13).  We must always take care that we fix our eyes on the Chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ so that we can continue to be the light in the darkness that he left us here to be.

​Jesus said

Jesus’ plan all along was to ascend into heaven for an age that would extend at least two millennia.  But he also intended from the beginning to leave his Body, the Church as his earthly presence to continue his ministry.  He promised to be with us “to the end of the age” (Mt 28:20). If he was the light, then surely he would intend for his Church to be the light.

In Matthew 5:15, Jesus commands us not to hide our light but let it be seen.  The Church is a haven from the wrath of God to come, but she should not stay hidden because the world needs to see her as a beacon of hope. Those with eyes to see will be drawn

Since the very dawn of the Church Age Christians have been persecuted with the goal of snuffing out faith in Christ. But the more she is oppressed, the more powerfully the Church attracts the chosen to God.  Even in places where the Church goes underground, there is a powerful light emanating from her that draws people for God. This town on a hill cannot, and should not be hidden.  Let your light shine before men.

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