Day 4: Salty Light

Read Matthew 5:1-48

The fifth chapter of Matthew marks the beginning of what is called “The Sermon on the Mount” and contains some of the key teachings of Jesus. If we want to become followers of Jesus, this chapter is absolutely pivotal to not only understand, but to live out. In this sermon, Jesus offers us: the Beatitudes which give us a vision of who is blessed in God’s kingdom, ethical teachings, biblical instruction, advice on how to live faithfully, and much more. I would go so far as to suggest that this one chapter of scripture is the most important in terms of learning to become a disciple.

Matthew 5 has so many powerful teachings about discipleship that I cannot reflect on it all. Rather, I want to pick up on a key theme which woven throughout this important chapter. Jesus wants the crowd (and us) to understand that when we are in relationship to God it should make a profound difference in how we live our lives. In other words, if you are a person of faith you should behave differently in the world. Jesus calls us to be salt and light in world, to live among others but through our actions give witness to the transforming power of God’s love (Matthew 5:13-16). In order to live this out, Jesus reminds us that it is not enough to follow the letter of the law (think 10 commandments), we must also live up to the spirit of the law. The life of faith is not simply about believing Jesus is Lord, it is about placing God at the center of our lives and living life accordingly.

Jesus uses salt and light as metaphors for living the faithful life.

“You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. 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.” Matthew 5:13-16

When we think about salt we sometimes think in negative terms. Too much salt in your diet can indeed be unhealthy. Nonetheless, we need salt both in the food we eat and our bodies themselves. The key is having the right amount of salt. Think about a meal that is overly bland and how the addition of salt can make all the difference. Salt makes a difference and is noticed, but salt is also among things that are not salt. We wouldn’t eat salt on it s own—unless it was a dare—it is always mixed in with other ingredients. Jesus tells us that we are the salt of the world, but to be wary of losing our saltiness.

To be salt means we must live the life of faith in the world, among those who are not following Jesus. To be salt means that others will “see our good works” and the way we live our lives and want to be part of it. A person of faith doesn’t have the option of retreating from the world or only associating with other Christians. We must share our life and share our faith, and let our “salty” actions bear witness to the love and grace of God. Jesus also warns us that as salt we cannot lose our saltiness or we become useless. If we are living among those who are not in relationship with God, but we lose our faithfulness and people cannot tell the difference God makes, then we have lost our saltiness.

Later in chapter 5, Jesus goes on to re-interpret the classic teachings and understandings of the commandments. In a series of “you have heard it said, but now I tell you” statements, Jesus demonstrates what it means to be salt and light in the world. It is easy not to murder, anyone can restrain themselves from murder, but Jesus tells us that anger in our heart is what we must extinguish. Similarly, Jesus doesn’t simply affirm the prohibition against adultery; he also tells us that lust in our heart is the real issue. On several key issues, Jesus raises the expectations of what it means to be faithful. In essence he is calling us to live life with love in our hearts for all people. When someone wrongs you, don’t take revenge, pray for them. If someone takes your coat, give them your cloak as well. Jesus raises the expectations not only because it will be noticeable, but more importantly because the world desperately needs the love of God.

The life Jesus is calling us to live is truly radical and counter cultural. If we take him seriously, if we work on our relationship with God, we can begin more and more to live life differently. We can be in the world but not of it. We can be salt and light. Being a disciple means following Jesus and he is leading us to the cross, where true transformation happens. Jesus is calling you to be salty and be a light to a dark troubled world. I pray God gives us the strength and courage to be salty light.