Salt And Light

You Are – Matthew 5: 13 - 20

Intro: A minister was making a wooden trellis to support a climbing vine. As he was pounding away, he noticed a little boy who was watching him. The youngster didn’t say a word, so the preacher kept on working, thinking the las would leave; but he didn’t. Pleased at the thought that his work was being admired, the pastor finally said, “Are you trying to pick up some pointers on gardening?” “No,” the little boy replied. “I’m just waiting to hear what a preacher says when he hits his thumb with a hammer.” (taken from the sermon, “Impacting People for the Future” by Randy Bennett on SermonCentral.com)

I The perspective of that youngster may be the way some people see a pastor. They just wait to see you trip and fall, break with tradition, say or do something they think is unbecoming a pastor.

A What we fail to realize is there are people in this world that look at you the same way. They are watching to see how you behave or what you say or do. Some may even say, “If that’s the way Presbyterians or Christians act, I don’t want any part of it.”

B Let’s look at VVS. 13 & 14 begin with the same 2 words. The first word is You. It is a word rarely used in Greek. It is often indicated by the tense of the verb. Here, it is intentionally used for emphasis.

1) Some scholars believe the “YOU” refers back to the subjects of the beatitudes (VVS. 3 – 11)

2) I believe it is a subtle message every true Southerner can understand. In the Greek, it is a plural pronoun. It could realistically be translated as y’all or you all. In PA where I’m from it could be translated as yous guys! It includes everyone listening to this sermon of Jesus.

C The second word is are. This verb in the Greek is the present indicative tense. It can NOT be translated as should be / will be / can be. It is PRESENT TENSE indicating that you already are! WHAT ARE WE ALREADY!

II VS. 13 – “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.”

A The salt of which Jesus speaks most likely came from the Dead Sea which contained many contaminates that could, over time, ruin the taste of salt. It was then used to pave streets and walkways.

B Salt, if added in the right amount at the right time in the right way, enlivens and enhances the flavors of food. It brings out the flavor and makes them even better. This is what Jesus calls us to show the world. If you fill a saltshaker and put it on the table and never lift it to use, what good is it? What good is your faith in Jesus if you don’t use it?

C When our language is coarse, our deeds selfish, our words cutting, our actions hurtful, we fail to add the right “flavor” to our life and our witness to others. Our spoiled relationship with God, our tasteless, dark life affects other people.

III VS. 14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.” Again, the word YOU is plural and is emphasized by the terminology of a town being built on a hill.

A Light is a form of energy. It removes darkness, reveals danger, shows the path, and illuminates blemishes and beauty. Jesus says, “we are the light of the world.”

B To be a light of the world, we cannot sit in a closet, or as Jesus says, “under a bowl.” We must work openly to cast the light of Christ in the world. The most important thing about light is that it is visible.

C Our culture has adopted the attitude that religion or faith is a personal matter. Most people are uncomfortable “letting their light shine” because they may feel their light isn’t bright enough. --- When you look at people, do they see the eyes of Christ Jesus looking at them? --- Faith IS NOT about what we say, it is about letting people see the light of Christ in each of us as we live in His way and show His love. I encourage each of you to let the light of Christ shine in your family, community, and yes, even in your church.

Concl: Let’s sing 3 verses of, “This Little Light Of Mine”

This little light of mine,

I’m goin’a let it shine.

This little light of mine,

I’m goin’a let it shine.