These two examples Jesus uses may seem insignificant now, but in the first century salt and light was very valuable. In the Roman market place salt was even used at times as money and without electricity light was a valuable asset at night. Today we often take these two things for granted.
What was Jesus implying here when He said "Ye are the salt of the earth" "Ye are the light of the world"
A) Ye are the Salt
1. Salt preserved and purified
In the days of no refrigeration salt was used to preserve meats to prevent decay.
Ezekiel 16:4 Tells us that salt was used to rub down a new born babies.
The only reason why this earth is not destroyed because God’s people are still here!
2. Salt Seasons
Job 6:6 Job says eggs are without flavor with no salt
Col. 4:6 We are told that our speech is to be seasoned with salt.
Mark 9:50 Jesus says have salt in yourselves
Listen: salt is no good unless it mingles with that which needs it!
3. Salt makes you thirsty
Simply put it is the job of Christians to make the world thirsty for what they have.
We are to cause them to want to draw from the well of living water!
B) Ye are the Light
See: John 5:33-35 John the Baptist was referred to as a shining light
Also: John 1:6-9 Jesus we are told is that true Light
1. Light dispels darkness
2 Cor. 4:6 it was the light of God that shined into our hearts
1 Peter 2:9 Says God called us out of darkness into His marvellous light
Jesus says unto us now "Ye are the light of the world"
2. Light is to be exposed
Matt. 5:15 We are told it is not appropriate to hide our light under a bushel
In the Lord’s time light was to be put on an lampstand that it may provide light
Phil. 2:15 Tells us we should shine as light in a crooked and preverse world
3. Light provides life
Without light all vegetation would die, and the affect of that would be devastating to all other living creature. It is light that produces life!
Matt. 5:16 Jesus says let you light shine that men may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
As Christians we are the only chance for life this world has from the place of outer darkness where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Important Note: Before the Lord said we are the salt and light of this world He charge us to begin with our attitude in Matt. 5:1-12
Question: Are you the salt and light Jesus declares you to be?
