Untitled Sermon

Matthew 5:13 ESV

“You are the salt of the earth, 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.

In the ancient world, salt was used for flavoring and as a preservative. Instead of being made by evaporation of salt water, the salt came mostly from salt marshes in the area southwest of the Dead Sea. Salt had commercial value, but the impure salt taken from the sea and its environs was susceptible to deterioration that left only useless crystals. Jesus’ question How can its saltiness be restored? did not expect an answer—for once salt has deteriorated, it cannot be used as a preservative. Jesus warned them against being defiled by impurities. Even today in Israel, people scatter such salt on the flat roofs of their homes to harden the soil and prevent leaks. These roofs are still used for children to play and for group gatherings, so the salt is still literally trampled under foot.

As salt preserves and brings out the best flavor of food, so believers should affect others positively. If a seasoning has no flavor (has lost its taste), it has no value. Jesus clearly told his disciples (the word “you” is emphatic, meaning “you, my followers”) that if they wanted to make a difference in the world, they would have to be different from the world. God would hold them accountable to maintain their “saltiness” (that is, their usefulness). If we are too much like the world, we are useless. Christians should not blend in with everyone else. Jesus tells us, as he told the disciples, that we must be different if we want to make a difference. We dare not allow the world to dilute our effectiveness. If we do, we are of no value to him.

Matthew Jesus Teaches About Salt and Light / 5:13–16 / 50

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.” As salt makes a difference in people’s food, so light makes a difference in their surroundings. Jesus came as “the light of all people” (John 1:4 NRSV) and would later explain, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12 NIV). Christ’s disciples must live for Christ, shining like lights in a dark world, showing clearly what Christ is like. Who could hide a city that is sitting on top of a hill? Lanterns glowing from behind its walls send a light at night that can be seen for miles. Because Jesus is the Light of the World, his followers must reflect his light. If we live for Christ, we will glow like lights, showing others what Christ is like.

Matthew Jesus Teaches About Salt and Light / 5:13–16 / 50

“Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.

Matthew Jesus Teaches About Salt and Light / 5:13–16 / 50

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.