Be the Light Matthew 5:13-16

Introduction

AMEN!

Share the story of Lysa sharing her bible with Dan. One act of obedience to shine the light of Christ will make an eternal impact you can never imagine.

THE FLAVOR YOU BRING AND THE LIGHT YOU SHED IS HOW PEOPLE WILL TASTE AND SEE THE GLORY OF GOD

This morning we will be looking in Matthew 5 and discussing a passage that many of you may be very aware of. The terms salt and light are ones we have associated with being a Christian forever and you may have heard 100 different sermons or sunday school lessons on this, but I am not here to come up with anything new and Im not here to complicate something that is simple.

I believe good leaders make complicated things simple, and Jesus was a master at that.

So good news for you, we wont be long because I want a chance to give clearly what the Lord has spoken in His word, a chance to respond, and then I want you in your groups challenging one another with every bit of energy you have this morning.

Ill be honest, I expect nothing less than you breakout groups to get finished today and be completely on fire and ready to get back to 2329 Prosser rd to make disciples.

Its important to know that our text is directly attached to and follows the beatitudes. Dont know what those are they are 12 verses of Jesus saying, HEY IF YOU WANT A HAPPY LIFE THAT HONORS ME, DO THE UPSIDE DOWN OF WHAT THE WORLD SAYS AND DO THIS.

English Standard Version Chapter 5

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

English Standard Version Chapter 5

13 “You are the salt of the earth

Let me stop there. When it comes to being salt and light, Jesus says to those that follow him YOU ARE. Not you can become. Not just work hard enough and youll make it. not anything except….you are.

YOU WILL NEVER INFLUENCE ANYONE IF YOU ARE SITTING ON THE SIDELINE EMBRACING WHAT YOU CAN BE COME RATHER WE SHOULD EMBRACE WHO WE ARE

English Standard Version Chapter 5

but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet

salt had a lot of purposes, preservation, flavor, valuable

Salt preserves food and adds flavor.

Without salt, things rot or taste bland.

Application: As Christians in school, on teams, or online—we should make things better, not worse.

Add kindness where there’s cruelty.

Add hope where there’s negativity.

Add encouragement where there’s gossip.

something on trampled on people feet, dont let that be true

English Standard Version Chapter 5

14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Sermon Outline: Be Salt. Be Light.

Text: Matthew 5:13–16

Introduction

Bring salt and a flashlight as props.

Ask: What do these two things have in common? (They both make a difference, even in small amounts).

Transition: Jesus says we are salt of the earth and light of the world.

Point 1: Salt Makes a Difference (v. 13)

Salt preserves food and adds flavor.

Without salt, things rot or taste bland.

Application: As Christians in school, on teams, or online—we should make things better, not worse.

Add kindness where there’s cruelty.

Add hope where there’s negativity.

Add encouragement where there’s gossip.

Point 2: Light Stands Out (vv. 14–15)

Light doesn’t blend in with darkness; it shines.

A lamp hidden under a bowl is useless.

Application: Don’t dim your faith just to fit in. Let people see Jesus through the way you live, even if it makes you different.

Point 3: Salt + Light Point to God (v. 16)

The purpose isn’t to make us look good, but to lead people to glorify God.

Salt without flavor is useless. Light hidden is wasted. But when used, both help others.

Application: When you serve, forgive, or love—even in small ways—you are showing people what God is like.

Practical Challenges for Students

Be Salt: This week, add “flavor” by encouraging someone who feels invisible.

Be Light: Stand out by doing what’s right when others are going wrong.

Point to God: When people notice, give the credit back to Him

Sermon Outline: Shine Where You Are

Text: Matthew 5:14–16

Introduction

Start with a quick object lesson: Turn on a flashlight in a dark room (or show phone flashlight).

Ask: Why do we use light? (To see, for guidance, for safety, to draw attention).

Transition: Jesus calls us that kind of light in our schools, homes, and world.

Point 1: You ARE the Light (Identity)

Jesus doesn’t say, “Try to be light.” He says, “You are the light.”

Our identity in Christ means we already carry His light.

Application: Even when you feel overlooked, insecure, or not “good enough,” God says you shine.

Point 2: Light is Made to Be Seen (Visibility)

A lamp under a bowl is useless.

Light naturally stands out—it can’t hide.

Application: Don’t dim your light to fit in. At school, on your team, or online—let your faith show through your actions, words, and attitude.

Point 3: Your Light Points People to God (Purpose)

The goal of shining isn’t for our glory, but for God’s.

People see Christ when they see your love, honesty, kindness, and courage.

Application: When friends ask why you live differently, that’s your chance to point to Jesus.

Practical Challenges for Students

Sit with someone who’s left out at lunch.

Refuse to join in gossip or negativity.

Be the one who encourages instead of tearing down.

Post something uplifting about your faith online.

Conclusion

Just like one small light changes a dark room, your light can make a difference in your school and community.

Jesus says: Shine so that others see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Key takeaway: Don’t hide your light. Shine where you are.