Matthew Lesson 16: Salt and Light

Matthew 5:13-16 is the text for this sermon entitled, "Salt and Light."

This portion of Jesus' sermon on the mount introduces the metaphors of salt and light. This passage follows just after the Beatitudes, a crucial placement to turn the attention of the audience outward toward the world exuding the influence of Christians. Like his parables, the reference to simple salt and light teach profound spiritual truths. Salt is very powerful as a preservative, a booster of savory flavor, and in Bible times represented wealth. 

The second metaphor is Light. This truth focuses on the universal nature of salvation--"the gospel is for all." Jesus places the metaphor as a city on a hill for all to see. We aren't to hide our light, but position it to be seen and thus influence the world for God. Light has a purpose - to guide, to give hope. The world is full of darkness, and thus it needs the light desperately. We are light-bearers for Jesus, and we should be shining intentionally to influence others! We are to live our lives "before others." Our lives are lived in front of others to demonstrate what the godly life looks like as we glorify God. Note, later in the sermon, Jesus will talk about Christians who do things publicly to glorify themselves--very difference motivation and outcomes!

Our challenge as Christians is to be salt and light to others. We do this purposefully, intentionally. Here are the main take-aways from this lesson: 

Practical Application
1. Never underestimate the power of our example.
2. We influence and do not coerce others.
3. Challenges us to reflect on how we are in the world.
4. Salt and light can become useless.
5. We “flavor” all the lives we touch!
6. We help other people “see” the light of Jesus!
7. Our example does not point to us, but to God!