In Matthew 5:13-20, Jesus says to his disciples, “You are the salt of the earth,” and “You are the light of the world.”
There are lots of ways one can interpret the phrase, “You are the salt of the earth.” Salt was and continues to be considered a valuable natural resource. In Roman times, it was so valuable that salaries were sometimes paid in salt.
It has been used for everything from seasoning to medicinal purposes to curing meat to melting snow on walkways. Melting snow is not an insignificant usage up here in the frozen north country where I live and serve.
Salt is also considered to be a blessing. Just before my wedding when I was packing up to move to my first apartment, my mother gave me a small, reclosable, plastic bag with a crust of bread and salt.
She told me to always keep this bag in my kitchen as it was considered to be good luck. I have since found out that this tradition dates back to the time before Jesus, although I guess the items were not packaged in plastic bags at that time.
When Jesus says, “You are the salt of the earth,” he could be saying that you are a valuable resource, or he could be saying that you are a blessing to the world.
Whatever spin you put on this phrase, given the importance of salt, Jesus is paying a compliment to his followers.
Notice also, that Jesus doesn’t put any conditions on his praise. He doesn’t say, “If you do this, then you are salt.” Jesus says plainly and without condition — you are the salt of the earth. This is pure grace.
Jesus then goes on to say, “You are the light of the world.” In most cultures, light is considered good and is the antithesis to darkness.
In Christianity, light is associated with Jesus. If Jesus’ disciples are light to the world, then they must have a role in reflecting the goodness of Jesus to the world.
Can you think of a time when God has used you to be light to the world? How have you been salt or a blessing to the world? May you be a salty person, blessing and seasoning those around you.
Prayer: Gracious God, you are light and good. Help me to reflect your light and your goodness and your blessing to those around me. Amen
Find a link to Pat Harris’ blog The Pastor’s Musings at Lutheran Blogs.
