Matthew 5:13-16

Matthew 5:13-16, New Living Translation

“You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a

stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

Background• This passage immediately follows “The Beatitudes”– Matthew 5:1-12– In fact, it is a continuation of the same thought, not a separate

thought.• You are blessed BECAUSE you are Salt and Light.– The poor in spirit recognize their spiritual destitution and

depend on God. – Those who mourn are sensitive to their spiritual faults and

seek God’s help and comfort. – The meek are malleable, open, and responsive to God.– Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness are the

only ones who seek it.

Background• This passage immediately follows “The Beatitudes”– Matthew 5:1-12– In fact, it is a continuation of the same thought, not a separate

thought• You are Salt and Light BECAUSE you are BLESSED.– The merciful both forgive and have compassion for others

and are thus sensitive to God’s forgiveness that frees them from guilt and comforts them.– The pure are purified by their devotion to God and so are

spiritually able to sense His presence.– The qualities so far named equip us to bring peace to

others, although they also make us vulnerable to persecution. – The Bible Reader’s Companion

Salt of the Earth• Salt uses – beyond seasoning (20 Amazing Uses for Salt – ivillage.com)

– Soothe a bee sting– Eliminate a grease fire– Repel fleas (wash dog with it)– Clean tarnished copper

• Salt is beneficial• Salt in the Bible– Salt was cast on the Burnt Offering (Ezekiel 43:24)– Added to the incense (Exodus 30:35)– It was used to symbolize friendship (2 Chronicles 3:15)– Rubbed on newborn babies by means of cleansing (Ezekiel 16:4)– “Salt” would “season” relationships (Mark 9:50) and speech

(Colossians 4:6)

Salt of the Earth• Can salt lose it’s savour?– You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its

flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. - vs. 13

– The salt referred to here was not mined or from boiling clean salt water• Found in marshes along shore or interior salt lakes that had

evaporated.• Unlike table salt (NaCl), there are many other minerals in this

“salt”• Left on ground, comes in contact with rain, the salt properties

could be washed away.• Would be used then to keep dust down on gravel roads.

Salt of the Earth• How does that apply to us?– We enjoy salt (maybe too much) BUT salt is needed to keep a

person alive.– BUT what good is salt if we do not use it?• Does salt add flavour to food if it sits in the cupboard?• Do we, as Christians, add to the world if we just sit in the

church?• Salt enhances the flavour of food!– “Don’t people complain about unsalted food? Does anyone want

the tasteless white of an egg?” – Job 6:6– If we are salt, we are called to enhance this culture.– We have the Good News of the Gospel that can only add and

aide IF we are SHARING IT!

Light of the World• “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be

hidden.” – vs. 14– Light of the world = נר עולם (ner olam)– title applied to the most prominent rabbis– Jesus is saying that His disciples (US) are the most important teachers

He has!!!– We have been given the tools to cast out the deeds of darkness!

• Like salt, the light we have is meant to be used, not abused!– “No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a

lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.” – vs. 15

– In the days of Jesus, the only ones who hid their lights in such fashions were those who did not want to be seen (murderers, thieves, etc.)

– Hiding the light that we have in Christ is literally costing people their lives!

Light of the World• “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” –

Psalm 119:105• It is not sufficient to have light.– We must walk in the light, and by the light. – “In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so

that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” – vs. 16– We need to be doing the work of God, and NOT be ashamed by it!– “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power

of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.” – Romans 1:16, NKJV

Conclusion• Final thought on this section:– I eluded to the Beatitudes in the beginning• Blessed people are Salt and Light

– When we live as Salt, and act as Light – more blessings, but not for us!

– “…they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (vs. 16, NKJV)

– Following the will of the Father and living the life He has called us to brings blessings back to HIM!• “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s

mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” – Romans 12:1 NIV