Untitled Sermon (3)

WHAT WE ARE TO BE: MT. 5:13-15

The Preacher’s Commentary Series, Volume 24: Matthew The Disciple’s Influence

You are the salt of the earth” suggests at least three things: purity, preservation, and flavor. Salt in the Roman world symbolized purity—no doubt from the process of using sea water and the sun to acquire the salt. Roman soldiers were often paid in salt, the basis for the word “salary.” Jesus’ use of the symbol of salt to describe the disciple emphasizes the call and influence of purity the Christian brings to society.

The Preacher’s Commentary Series, Volume 24: Matthew The Disciple’s Influence

As salt makes the food more “foodier,” the disciple as the salt of the earth makes the earth more authentically as it should be. Our role in society is not to be over against it so much as it is to enrich or purify the social order, making it more truly a realm of blessing for humanity. Such enriching persons are the salt of the earth.