The sermon explores the idea that the meek, broken-hearted, hungry, peacemakers, merciful, and persecuted are the salt and light of the world, tasked with guiding others towards Christ.
Have you ever been lost? What did you do? How did you find your way again? Share about a time when you were lost. Where were you and what was happening? How did you find your way again? Did you ask someone for help? Did you get out a map? Did you ask Siri for directions? Make the point that you needed help, a map, directions, etc… in order to find your way again.
Chances are good we’ve all been lost before. Chances are also good that, like me, you needed to get help in some form or fashion in order to find your way again. Some of you had to get directions from an actual person, an expert in the area, who knew the way… And I’m sure you were elated when they were able to give you perfectly articulated instructions to the exact place you wanted to be; “Just go about three miles down this road, turn right at the red barn, head another half mile down and the place you want is on the right… Oh, and if you hit the field of dandelions you’ll know you want too far.”
It’s this level of accuracy that lets you know you’re dealing with someone who’s traveled the road you’re looking for. They know it well, they understand the twists and turns. They also know when you’ve missed it, and what you’ll see if you do. These types of people are ‘guides’ and they light the way for those of us who’re lost.
In our passage today Jesus identifies all kinds of people who are “lights” for others…and it makes perfect sense that Jesus would be able to rightly identify this particular type of person; An expert who can help guide others when they’re lost.
The problem is that the kinds of people who Jesus thinks are experts don’t have any training or credentials to lead others. Or at least none that we know of. He says they’re poor in spirit, meek, merciful, hungry and thirsty… He calls them “the salt of the earth,” and “the light of the world.” He must know something we don't and as we’ll see today, He wants to teach us how to light the way for others.
He must know something we don't and as we’ll see today, He wants to teach us how to light the way for others.
Read Matthew 5:13-16. As we read this passage it’s important to keep in mind that the “you” of verse 13 and 14 is a 2nd person plural noun, and could be better translated as “y’all.” Jesus is saying, “y’all are the salt of the earth…y’all are the light of the world” And the y’all people that Jesus is referring to are all those folks listed in verses 5:2-12. The poor in spirit, meek, merciful, hungry, thirsty, persecuted and others. This list of people would’ve stood in stark contrast to the kinds of people traditionally seen in the culture as those who possessed salt and light. Those who had the ability and training to lead others in matters of morality and spirituality. So what exactly is the significance of salt? Of light? And what exactly does Jesus want us to do as we follow Him today?
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