Salt adds flavor to our food, but it is such a flavorful additive that we tend to overindulge. A high percentage of Americans consume more than the recommended daily amount of sodium. If we could cut salt intake by even 10 percent, we could prevent hundreds of thousands of heart attacks and strokes over time. But salt doesn’t just add flavor, it acts as a preservative. Jesus may have had both these meanings in mind when He called His followers “the salt of the earth” (v. 13).
A second metaphor Jesus used for His followers was “the light of the world” (vv. 14–16). This image emphasizes the need for light to see by; we help others “see” by doing good deeds and bringing glory to God (see Eph. 2:10). This makes sense since Christ is the original Light of the World (John 8:12). Our light depends on His light.
Both salt and light are transformative by nature. Adding salt to a dish changes the taste of the food. When we light a lamp, the look and feel of a room are changed. Both metaphors also highlight qualities that can be lost, or purposes that can fail to be fulfilled. Good deeds, for example, can be done for our own glory (Matt. 6:1). Salt can lose its flavor; light can be hidden. Moral and spiritual uselessness is tragic.
We don’t need to try to become salt or light. Jesus simply said that we are salt and light. One implication is that we became salt and light when we trusted Christ for salvation. Another is that we have a responsibility to remain salt and light and not become useless. How can we do so? By faithfully following Christ. In a dark and sinful world, such a person will stand out!
Go Deeper
What are practical ways we can be salt and light? How can we “let our light shine” and at the same time give God glory and remain humble?
Pray with Us
King Jesus, when You walked the earth, You were salt and light in the darkness. Thank You for being our example. Please show us ways we can transform our surroundings with Your light.
You are the salt of the earth…You are the light of the world.Matthew 5:13–14
Salt adds flavor to our food, but it is such a flavorful additive that we tend to overindulge. A high percentage of Americans consume more than the recommended daily amount of sodium. If we could cut salt intake by even 10 percent, we could prevent hundreds of thousands of heart attacks and strokes over time. But salt doesn’t just add flavor, it acts as a preservative. Jesus may have had both these meanings in mind when He called His followers “the salt of the earth” (v. 13).
A second metaphor Jesus used for His followers was “the light of the world” (vv. 14–16). This image emphasizes the need for light to see by; we help others “see” by doing good deeds and bringing glory to God (see Eph. 2:10). This makes sense since Christ is the original Light of the World (John 8:12). Our light depends on His light.
Both salt and light are transformative by nature. Adding salt to a dish changes the taste of the food. When we light a lamp, the look and feel of a room are changed. Both metaphors also highlight qualities that can be lost, or purposes that can fail to be fulfilled. Good deeds, for example, can be done for our own glory (Matt. 6:1). Salt can lose its flavor; light can be hidden. Moral and spiritual uselessness is tragic.
We don’t need to try to become salt or light. Jesus simply said that we are salt and light. One implication is that we became salt and light when we trusted Christ for salvation. Another is that we have a responsibility to remain salt and light and not become useless. How can we do so? By faithfully following Christ. In a dark and sinful world, such a person will stand out!
Go Deeper
What are practical ways we can be salt and light? How can we “let our light shine” and at the same time give God glory and remain humble?
Pray with Us
King Jesus, when You walked the earth, You were salt and light in the darkness. Thank You for being our example. Please show us ways we can transform our surroundings with Your light.
You are the salt of the earth…You are the light of the world.Matthew 5:13–14
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