Matthew 5:13-16, “

13 “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. 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[b] they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

“Nothing is more useful than salt and sunshine”- Pliny the Elder

Good morning!

Let me set the scene for us this morning… Jesus has begun His public ministry and is in the middle of preaching the most famous sermon ever preached. I can see it now… crowds of outcasts gathered around, the 12 disciples sitting on the front row, everyone soaking in these revolutionary and life transforming teachings. Now, the crowd that just heard how “blessed” they are is hearing about their role in the “kingdom.” Wow, what a day!

In this passage, Jesus tells the crowd they are “salt and light.” For you and me, salt and light are so prevalent that they may not seem very significant. For instance, we usually don’t think twice about grabbing a shaker of salt or flipping on a light switch; however, in this culture, they understood the importance of the imagery of salt and light.

There are differing opinions on what aspect of salt Jesus was referring to. Some theologians believe He was noting the preserving nature of salt, while others seem to lean towards its flavor aspect; however, one thing I think we can all agree on is- salt is good! Whether it’s to preserve or to flavor, salt is important. Salt is distinct. Salt is noticeable and useful and this is exactly what Jesus call His followers to.

The same goes for “light.” I think we can all agree that light is necessary and good. Here is the call- be light in this dark world! He is telling them they are going to be the light that Israel was supposed to be… Isaiah 42:6-7 states, “I am the LORD; I have called you in righteousness; I will take you by the hand and keep you; I will give you as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations, to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness.” Everything that Israel was supposed to be is now coming true through Jesus and His kingdom! And now…. the group that follows Him can partake in His mission of flavoring, preserving, and illuminating His kingdom here on earth. What a privilege!

We could spend all day discussing salt and light, but the one thing I believe is vital to see is that their presence makes an impact. Likewise, it’s clear when their presence is lacking and needed.

If you are a follower of Jesus, allow me to remind you as we begin this upcoming week- you are salt and the light to the world! Don’t let your salt lose its flavor or hide your light under a shade, but instead, let Jesus work in you and through you. I pray your life changes the “flavor” of your work place… I pray your life “lightens” up every room you walk in today… So again, go be salt and light wherever the Lord may lead you!

-Taylor