The Disciple As Salt Of The Earth

THE DISCIPLE AS THE SALT

"Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under, foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.’ Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (Mat 5:13- 16)

THE MESSAGE

In the preceding verses (Mat 5:1-12) of scripture, Christ outlined the basic principles that constitute the attitude (Beatitude) or characters of those who live godly lives in relation to the world (earth) and the blessings that follow such lives. Jesus used the physical or material things to explain spiritual truth. In the passages we are considering, He used three earthly materials: Salt, Light and City, to explain spiritual truth by giving a clear distinction between the disciple and the world with regards to his position and mission (Mat 5:13-16). The disciple should live an exemplary life for people to emulate. Paul constantly in his epistles encouraged his co-laborers to be of good conduct and to emulate him and be followers of him as he is of Jesus Christ (Phil 3:17, 4:9, 1 Pet 2:12, Heb 12:2 and 2 Thes 3:7-9).

Jesus used the words salt to let the disciples know what God designed them to be. Salt here is regarded as the similitude of a Christian. He used this analogy to reveal to the disciples of:

1. What God expects from them?

2. What people expect from them?

3. Their responsibility towards fulfilling the expectation.

4. Their influence on the world.

Jesus spoke directly to the disciples because He used the word "Ye are". These verses also reveal that they are illustrious and conspicuous. Many eyes are watching them, some admire them, commend them, rejoice in them, and study to imitate them, while others envy them, hate them, censure them, and study to blast them. They are to walk circumspectly because of their observers.

Let us now look closely at the word Salt, to see the reason why Jesus used it to describe a disciple. The reason for the use of the word salt is that salt is a mineral that is indispensable to man. Salt is easily identified by the white color, purity and taste (Rev.4:4,6:9-11, 7:9, 13...15, 1 Pet 1:15-16, Heb 12: 14). The color, brightness and intensity easily identify light (Jn. 1:4-9, 5:35, 8:12, 9:5, Eph 5:8, 2 Pet 1:19). Finally, City is identified by the landscape of hills, mountains, valleys and rivers. It is also identified by its beauty and splendor (Rev.21:2-27, Heb 12:22). These descriptions should be applied to the disciple of Christ.

How do we get Salt, Light and City?

Just as Salt is collected from the Sea, a disciple is one who has been removed from the sin nature by the saving power of Jesus (Rom.5:12-14, 6:6-7). The remaining water in the salt is evaporated to get a dry and pure salt. In the same manner the sin in the disciple is also removed from him through the process of Sanctification by the renewing of his mind by the word of God (2 Pet.1:9, Eph 5:26).

What are the qualities of Salt?

The qualities of Salt reveal to us its various uses by man. Let us now discuss Salt.

Salt is used as a:

1. Seasoning: - It is used to improve the taste of food. The disciple is to improve the taste of life of all those around him or in contact with him (1 Pet 2:9-10., Act 9:36- 43, 1 Tim. 4: 12). He constantly ministers to the need of his brethren, family and neighbors.

2. Preservation: - Food items can be preserved through salt. The disciple through his prayers of supplications and intercessions preserves his nation, community, neighbors, families, etc. (Gen 18:16-33, 1 Tim 2:1-4, Dan.10:1-4).

3. Purification: - Water and household materials like dishes; cups, cutlery, etc. can be purified by use of salt. Purification of the earth is done by the disciple through the preaching of the gospel to the unsaved so that they might be saved (Mk 16:15, Rom 8:19-22, 1 Pet 3:15, Act.8:5-13, 19:23-29).

4. Medication: - Salt is used in medicine for healing of wound and stomachs upset. The disciple brings the healing power of God to the people (Act 10:38, 5:14-16, 19:11-12). His ministry involves the demonstration of God’s power (1 Cor 2:1-4).

5. Impression: - Salt leaves moist impressions on any place it is left for a while. The disciple through his conduct and the ministry of the word of God leaves an impression (Acts 8:5-14, 4:13-22, 5:12-14). A disciple should always recognize that his conduct is important in spreading the gospel in his home, office, business and neighborhood. He should constantly equip and fortify himself with the knowledge of God’s word and fellowship with the Holy Spirit in prayers. Every activity in his life should be conducted by following the leading of the Spirit