Introduction

Good morning, cherished family of faith. What a joy it is to stand before you today, to share in this sacred space of fellowship and worship. We are gathered here, not as mere spectators, but as active participants in the divine dance of faith. Today, we are going to turn our hearts and minds towards the words of Jesus as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 5, verses 13 through 16.

In this passage, Jesus speaks to us in metaphors that are both simple and profound, calling us to be the "salt of the earth" and the "light of the world." These are not mere suggestions, but divine assignments. They are not just roles we play, but identities we embody. They are not just about what we do, but who we are in Christ.

In the words of Thomas a Kempis, "Don't think so much about who is for or against you, rather give all your care, that God be with you in everything you do." So, let us be aware, let us be present, let us be ready to know God more deeply as we reflect on the words of Jesus today.

Let's read the passage together:

"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:13-16)

Let us bow our heads in prayer:

Almighty and Everlasting God, we thank You for gathering us here today. We are humbled by Your love and grace that permeates our lives. As we reflect on Your Word today, may we be like the salt that adds flavor and the light that dispels darkness. Help us to embody these metaphors in our daily lives, that we may bring glory to Your name. In Jesus' name we pray, amen.

Let’s get started!

Being the Salt of the Earth

When we think about salt, we often think about it as a simple table condiment. It's something we sprinkle on our food to enhance the flavor. But in the time of Jesus, salt was much more than that. It was a valuable commodity, used for a variety of purposes. It was used to preserve food, to purify and to create covenants. So when Jesus tells us that we are the salt of the earth, He is telling us that we are valuable, that we have a purpose, and that we have a role to play in the world.

The preserving aspect of salt: In the days before refrigeration, salt was used to keep food from spoiling. It was a way of extending the life of the food, of keeping it fresh and edible for longer. In the same way, we as followers of Christ are called to be preservers. We are called to extend the life of the Gospel, to keep it fresh and relevant in a world that is constantly changing. We do this by living out the teachings of Jesus in our daily lives, by showing love and kindness to others, by standing up for justice and equality, and by sharing the good news of Jesus with others.

The purifying aspect of salt: Salt was also used as a cleaning agent, to purify and cleanse. It was used to clean wounds, to purify water, and to cleanse homes. In the same way, we are called to be purifiers. We are called to cleanse the world of hate, of injustice, of inequality. We do this by standing up for what is right, by speaking out against injustice, by working to create a world that is fair and equal for all.

The covenant aspect of salt: In ancient times, salt was used to seal covenants, to symbolize a lasting agreement. It was a sign of loyalty, of commitment, of a bond that could not be broken. In the same way, we are called to be covenant makers. We are called to make a lasting commitment to Jesus, to be loyal to Him, to form a bond with Him that cannot be broken. We do this by dedicating our lives to Him, by committing to follow His teachings, by making Him the center of our lives.

The flavoring aspect of salt: Salt enhances the flavor of food, it brings out the best in it. Without salt, food can be bland and tasteless. In the same way, we are called to be flavor enhancers. We are called to bring out the best in the world, to enhance the flavor of life. We do this by living lives of joy, of peace, of love. We do this by showing kindness to others, by being generous, by being forgiving.

For us: When Jesus tells us that we are the salt of the earth, He is telling us that we have a purpose, that we have a role to play in the world. We are called to be preservers, purifiers, covenant makers, and flavor enhancers. We are called to live out the teachings of Jesus in our daily lives, to show love and kindness to others, to stand up for justice and equality, and to share the good news of Jesus with others. We are called to cleanse the world of hate, of injustice, of inequality, to make a lasting commitment to Jesus, and to bring out the best in the world. And in doing so, we bring glory to God.

Becoming the Light of the World

As we continue our reflection on the words of Jesus, we encounter another metaphor that Jesus uses to describe His followers ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO