If there's a chapter in the Bible that feels charged with significance, it's definitely Matthew 5.
Jesus starts with the foundational blessings in the Beatitudes.
Matthew 5:1-12 NKJV [1] And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. [2] Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying: [3] “Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. [4] Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted. [5] Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth. [6] Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled. [7] Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy. [8] Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God. [9] Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God. [10] Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. [11] “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. [12] Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Then He pivots to deliver a message that still speaks to us today. He calls us "salt" and "light." Simple words yet loaded with profound meaning.
Matthew 5:13 NKJV “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.
What exactly did Jesus mean by these vivid metaphors, or salt and light and how are we supposed to live them out in our everyday lives?
Why Salt? Salt is More Than Just Flavor
In the days that Jesus walked the earth salt was particularly important and significant, it wasn't just a seasoning; it played a vital role in five key areas:
Psalms 34:8 NKJV Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!
Are we offering this glimpse of the Lord to those around us?
Luke 1:50 NKJV And His mercy is on those who fear Him From generation to generation.
Matthew 16:24 NKJV Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.
Our lives, offered in service to God and others, become a living sacrifice.
Romans 12:1-2 NKJV [1] I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. [2] And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
II Corinthians 10:4-6 NKJV [4] For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, [5] casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, [6] and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.
Ephesians 6:10-17 NKJV [10] Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. [11] Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. [12] For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. [13] Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. [14] Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, [15] and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; [16] above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. [17] And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;
Matthew 9:35-38 NKJV [35] Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. [36] But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. [37] Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. [38] Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”
Why Light? We are to Shine in a Dark World
Matthew 5:14-16 NKJV [14] “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. [15] Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. [16] Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
Jesus uses the image of light because the world can often feel shrouded in darkness. Scripture tells us of sin and spiritual darkness. Sin creates a separation between us and God, but Jesus, the ultimate “Light of the world,” came to break through that darkness and rescue us.
John 8:12 NKJV Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”
Consequently, we, as His followers, are called to reflect that light, to be like a city set on a hill, impossible to miss. Our lives should expose the unseen and reveal the truth of God's love.
Acts 26:15-18 NKJV [15] So I said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. [16] But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you. [17] I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, [18] to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’ (emphasis mine)
Psalms 139:12 NKJV Indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You, But the night shines as the day; The darkness and the light are both alike to You.
Ephesians 5:8 NKJV For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light
Jesus Christ, who dwells within us, through the power of the Holy Spirit, is the source of this light that shines through us. When others see our good deeds, the acts of love, compassion, and justice, they get a glimpse of Jesus Himself.
One of the first things that God did in creation was say “Let there be light” to create light, a powerful indication of Jesus to come.
Genesis 1:1-3 NKJV In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. [2] The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. [3] Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light.
Jesus is the Light who brings new creation and life within us.
II Corinthians 5:17 NKJV] Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
We are called to imitate God's character, walking in love just as Jesus did, offering the world a radically different way to live. In a world often accustomed to darkness, even the smallest glimmer of true light will stand out. Christ calls us to be set apart, to intentionally shine for Him.
Ephesians 5:1-2 NKJV Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. [2] And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.
It's a tremendous honor, and a weighty responsibility, to be called salt and light. We’re not expected to do this through our own limited strength. It is by the power of the Holy Spirit working in us that we can bring flavor and preservation, shine brightly in the darkness, and point others towards the One who is both the Salt and the Light of the world. Let's embrace this calling and allow the Holy Spirit to empower us to be the salt that seasons and the light that illuminates.
Jesus starts with the foundational blessings in the Beatitudes.
Matthew 5:1-12 NKJV [1] And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. [2] Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying: [3] “Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. [4] Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted. [5] Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth. [6] Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled. [7] Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy. [8] Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God. [9] Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God. [10] Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. [11] “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. [12] Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Then He pivots to deliver a message that still speaks to us today. He calls us "salt" and "light." Simple words yet loaded with profound meaning.
Matthew 5:13 NKJV “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.
What exactly did Jesus mean by these vivid metaphors, or salt and light and how are we supposed to live them out in our everyday lives?
Why Salt? Salt is More Than Just Flavor
In the days that Jesus walked the earth salt was particularly important and significant, it wasn't just a seasoning; it played a vital role in five key areas:
- Flavor: Just as salt enhances the taste of food, we are called to bring the distinctive flavor of Jesus into the world. Our behavior, both in word and deed, should provide an example of the goodness, grace, and forgiveness that He so perfectly demonstrates.
Psalms 34:8 NKJV Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!
Are we offering this glimpse of the Lord to those around us?
- Preserve: In a time before refrigeration, salt was crucial for preserving food. So our role as believers is to safeguard and pass on the unchanging message of the Gospel from one generation to the next. We are the custodians of this precious truth.
Luke 1:50 NKJV And His mercy is on those who fear Him From generation to generation.
- Sacrifice: Salt was also an integral part of sacrifices in the Old Testament. In this context, Jesus’ analogy invites us to a life of sacrifice for the sake of the Gospel.
Matthew 16:24 NKJV Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.
Our lives, offered in service to God and others, become a living sacrifice.
Romans 12:1-2 NKJV [1] I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. [2] And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
- Destroy: Interestingly, salt was sometimes used to destroy enemy territory. Spiritually, we are called to stand against the forces of darkness, demolishing the strongholds of the enemy through the power of the Holy Spirit and the armor of God.
II Corinthians 10:4-6 NKJV [4] For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, [5] casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, [6] and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.
Ephesians 6:10-17 NKJV [10] Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. [11] Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. [12] For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. [13] Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. [14] Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, [15] and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; [16] above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. [17] And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;
- Fertilizing: While seemingly contradictory to "destroy," salt in small amounts could also act as a fertilizer. In this sense, we are invited to participate in God's harvest, planting seeds of hope and welcoming others into the Kingdom of God, sharing hope in all circumstances.
Matthew 9:35-38 NKJV [35] Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. [36] But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. [37] Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. [38] Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”
Why Light? We are to Shine in a Dark World
Matthew 5:14-16 NKJV [14] “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. [15] Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. [16] Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
Jesus uses the image of light because the world can often feel shrouded in darkness. Scripture tells us of sin and spiritual darkness. Sin creates a separation between us and God, but Jesus, the ultimate “Light of the world,” came to break through that darkness and rescue us.
John 8:12 NKJV Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”
Consequently, we, as His followers, are called to reflect that light, to be like a city set on a hill, impossible to miss. Our lives should expose the unseen and reveal the truth of God's love.
Acts 26:15-18 NKJV [15] So I said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. [16] But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you. [17] I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, [18] to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’ (emphasis mine)
Psalms 139:12 NKJV Indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You, But the night shines as the day; The darkness and the light are both alike to You.
Ephesians 5:8 NKJV For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light
Jesus Christ, who dwells within us, through the power of the Holy Spirit, is the source of this light that shines through us. When others see our good deeds, the acts of love, compassion, and justice, they get a glimpse of Jesus Himself.
One of the first things that God did in creation was say “Let there be light” to create light, a powerful indication of Jesus to come.
Genesis 1:1-3 NKJV In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. [2] The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. [3] Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light.
Jesus is the Light who brings new creation and life within us.
II Corinthians 5:17 NKJV] Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
We are called to imitate God's character, walking in love just as Jesus did, offering the world a radically different way to live. In a world often accustomed to darkness, even the smallest glimmer of true light will stand out. Christ calls us to be set apart, to intentionally shine for Him.
Ephesians 5:1-2 NKJV Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. [2] And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.
It's a tremendous honor, and a weighty responsibility, to be called salt and light. We’re not expected to do this through our own limited strength. It is by the power of the Holy Spirit working in us that we can bring flavor and preservation, shine brightly in the darkness, and point others towards the One who is both the Salt and the Light of the world. Let's embrace this calling and allow the Holy Spirit to empower us to be the salt that seasons and the light that illuminates.
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