Introduction: The Sermon on the Mount
The Sermon on the Mount is one of Jesus’ most significant teachings, delivered on the northern slope of the Sea of Galilee. While anyone can glean wisdom from it, this sermon is aimed directly at those committed to following Jesus. It challenges believers to live out the principles of faith in a way that goes beyond personal spirituality—it’s about making an impact on the world.
Salt and Light: Jesus’ Metaphor for Influence
In Matthew 5:13-16, Jesus calls His followers to be both “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world.” These two metaphors carry deep meaning, highlighting our role to influence and impact society.
“You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world.”
Jesus isn’t asking for private faith kept behind closed doors; He is commissioning His followers to step into the world, influence it, and transform it. Just as salt preserves and flavors food, and light dispels darkness, Christians are to shape the culture around them, living out their faith in ways that are visible and impactful.
The Call to Global Influence
Jesus’ challenge is not just for individual believers to take His message worldwide, but for Christians collectively to have an impact wherever they are planted. Whether it’s in your neighborhood, workplace, or school, you are called to shine the light of Christ and season the world with His truth. Living out this faith in the public square, rather than sitting on the sidelines, is essential to fulfilling this mandate.
Salt and Light in a Corrupt World
Jesus’ followers are called to engage the culture and be a witness for biblical values. There’s no such thing as a private faith in this calling. Salt and light are visible and transformative.
Salt preserves and flavors—without it, food is bland and spoils. In the same way, Christians are called to preserve truth and give flavor to a world that is decaying in sin. Light, on the other hand, shines into darkness. It reveals truth, brings clarity, and dispels confusion. Jesus calls us to let our light shine so that others may see our good works and glorify God.
The Qualities of Salt and Light
- Salt’s Properties
In Jesus’ time, salt was a precious commodity. Roman soldiers were even paid in salt. Today, salt has many uses—from preserving food to treating sore throats, it is a necessity in many areas of life. In the same way, the Christian’s role as salt is multifaceted, offering preservation and healing in a broken world. - Light’s Properties
Light is essential for life. Without it, plants can’t grow, and humans suffer in darkness. In the Bible, light is a metaphor for truth. Jesus Himself is called the “Light of the World” (John 8:12). As followers of Christ, we are to reflect His light, revealing the truth of the gospel to a darkened world.
Salt and Light: Sustaining Life
Both salt and light are crucial to sustaining life. Salt prevents decay and adds flavor, while light brings life and growth. Christians, likewise, are to offer life-giving hope to a decaying and corrupt world. The world needs the purifying and preserving effects of Christian influence, and it is up to believers to bring that light to a society that so desperately needs it.
Purifying and Healing Qualities
Salt and light also have healing properties. Salt can cleanse wounds, while light can disinfect and bring healing. As Christians, we are to have a healing presence in the world, offering the hope of Jesus to those who are lost and broken. Just as salt heals wounds and light purifies, we are to bring the purifying message of the gospel to a culture in need of redemption.
Engaging Culture: Salt and Light Change Things
Salt penetrates food and enhances its flavor. Light penetrates darkness and transforms it into brightness. Christians are called to penetrate culture with the message of Jesus. We are not called to be passive or neutral, but active agents of change. By living out our faith in a tangible way, we can flavor the world with God’s truth and shine His light into the darkness.
Conclusion: The Mandate to Be Salt and Light
Jesus’ mandate to be salt and light is a challenge for all believers. We are called to have a global impact, not by hiding our faith or being passive, but by engaging with the world around us. This is not a task for the faint of heart—it requires courage and commitment to stand up for biblical truth in a world that often opposes it.
Wherever you are, you have the opportunity to be salt and light. Let your faith be visible, let your actions reflect Christ, and let your influence shine for the glory of God.
“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)