Apr 16-22, 2023

Rev. Sarah Henry & "Joey" Alan Le, Ph.D.

Matthew 5:13–16

13 SALT. Salt was a very valuable commodity in ancient times. It was not only used to flavor foods, but it was indispensable in preserving them. Salt solutions were used medicinally, specifically in washing newborn infants. Rock salt was also used as a fertilizer. Salt’s value then came from these many uses. Jesus was then attesting to the value of his disciples in the world. The disciples are to flavor the world around them with God’s love and direction, and they are to preserve that which is valuable in life from the spoilage of sin and hate (Coleman 1536). Each person is valuable in their own particular way. What’s your special flavor?

BUT IF SALT HAS LOST ITS TASTE, HOW CAN ITS SALTINESS BE RESTORED? Since the Old Testament associates salt with so many meanings (purity, covenant loyalty, element for sacrifices, seasoning, etc.), we get much surer guidance by focusing on this sentence. Losing your saltiness means losing the identity that distinguishes you from the foolish world – being corrupted by the world because you do not do the deeds Jesus teaches (Gushee and Stassen 197). What are some ways followers of Jesus differ from people who do not follow Jesus?

13 IT IS NO LONGER GOOD FOR ANYTHING. Salt that has lost its saltiness is good for nothing (Turner and Bock 82). Have you ever felt like you lost your purpose? What did you do or learn to help you get out of that lostness?

13 TRAMPLED UNDER FOOT. Salt that has lost its saltiness becomes no better than the sand people walked on (Gushee and Stassen 197).

14 YOU ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD. God’s illumining presence in the world flows from Jesus’ disciples, not a place like Jerusalem (or Oakland) (Turner and Bock 83). How likely are you to let someone else do good and just work, rather than doing it yourself?

14 A CITY BUILT ON A HILL. Much as the neon sign of a hotel invites the weary traveler to rest, so is our light to be an invitation. Jesus’ followers will transform the whole of humanity through their lives. More and more people will join the community of those who orient themselves on the will of God. This is an engaged and confident vision rather than a disengaged, fearful isolation from the world (Gushee and Stassen 199). What godly/Christlike qualities do you wish for most?

14 CANNOT BE HID. The very purpose of light is defeated if it is hidden away. In the same way, Jesus’s disciples are not to be living secretly but living openly so that others can see who and what they are (Coleman 1536). Would you say your faith in Christ is more hidden or more exposed?

15 LAMPSTAND. The small wicker oil lamps of Jesus’ time period gave little light in the average home, which had few windows; they would be most effective by being set on a lampstand (Keener Mt 5:15-16). You already shine God’s light just by being who you are. Are there some ways you can be more effective at shining the light of Jesus?

16 LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE BEFORE OTHERS. Christ’s disciples will influence the world in tangible ways. Discipleship is not merely a private matter between a person and God (Turner and Bock 83). Which tangible service are you looking forward to most this Everyday Missions series?

16 SO THAT THEY MAY SEE YOUR GOOD WORKS. Usually, people speak of Jesus’ teaching as twofold, “salt and light.” But the climax of the whole teaching is clearly in the last verse, in which the emphasis is on deeds that give glory to God. To mention salt and light and leave deeds out is to tilt the passage toward cheap grace or “easy believism” that does no deeds of following Jesus. Deeds clarify the salt and light references. Doing good deeds is the content of being the salt of the earth and the light of the world (Gushee and Stassen 200). What good works/deeds do you feel the Spirit drawing you to do?

Matthew frequently stresses that good deeds are the mark of discipleship. The grace-induced character traits just highlighted in the beatitudes are good deeds. Indeed, without good works one simply is not a disciple of Jesus (7:24–27; 13:23, 38). A so-called “disciple” without good works is of no more value than flavorless salt or a concealed lamp, but a true disciple impacts people and thereby brings glory to the heavenly Father (cf. 1 Pet 2:12) (Turner and Bock 83). How does this make you feel?

16 THEY MAY…GIVE GLORY TO YOUR FATHER IN HEAVEN. While persecution is the response the world in general has toward those who embody the qualities of God’s kingdom (5:10), some people will recognize in these qualities the character of God and give praise to him (Coleman 1536). Considering all the things you do, how much of it is done so that God may be glorified by others?