The Sayings of Jesus Part 3
Matt. 5:13-16
In the Beatitudes we mentioned that we must allow God to do a work into our hearts and eventually outwardly we manifest the nature of Jesus Christ before a lost and dying world.
The world doesn’t need a new idea or invention but yet it needs a clear picture of Jesus the Christ manifested from the lives of His followers.
See: 1 Peter 3:13-16
See: Matt. 5:13-16 Here we see the value of every Christian on this earth express by out Lord.
“Ye are” He did say you can be or something questionable, but instead makes a definitive statement about us as Christians “Ye are”
“The salt of the earth” “The light of the World”
Jesus in speaking to these disciples uses perhaps two of the most precious commodities to society at this particular time to express their purpose on earth.
The value of these things tell us exactly what point Jesus is making here concerning those who would be true followers of Him.
1. Ye Are Salt
“Ye are the salt of the earth”
Salt has several purposes such as it was to add favor to food and it was also used greatly as a preservative. We also know when salt is consumed it makes one thirsty. Salt was also used to purify. So considering these things let’s understand the impact of what Jesus is saying here.
a. Christians are to represent the good in the world
b. Christians are to serve as a preservative against the evils of society
c. Christians are to cause the world to thirst for Christ
Mark 9:50 Have salt in yourselves
See: Col. 4:2-6 Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt…
2. Ye Are Light
a. It is light the pierces darkness
b. It is also light that illuminates (makes things visible)
c. Light gives direction
Matt. 5:14 ye are the light of the world
Mention: John 8:12 I am the light of the world
See: John 9:5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world
Then: John 1:3-9 We as John are to bear witness of the true Light
See: Matt. 5:14 Ye are the light…A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid
Song: This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine…
Mention: Vs.15 It giveth light to all that in the house
And: Vs.16 Let your light shine before men…
You can only imagine the positive affect these things had in society at that time and what Jesus is expressing to His followers to have this kind of spiritual impact on the world.
There is also the negative impact if we are not that salt or light we are called to be.
Vs.13 But if salt have lost his savour wherewith shall it be salted?
See: Luke 14:34
Jesus makes it clear: If we as salt loose our savour (effectiveness as salt) we are thence good for nothing. Vs.13
See: Vs.15 light is not meant to be put under a bushel (hid) because in doing so it doesn’t serve its purpose.
Point: If we are not serving the purpose of God here in this world we are of no good to the cause of Christ.
