A Simple Look at Jesus’ Message on Being Salt and Light
If you’ve ever sprinkled salt on your fries or turned on a light in a dark room, you already have a good head start on understanding what Jesus was talking about in Matthew 5:13-16. These famous Bible verses are part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, and in them, he tells his followers, “You are the salt of the earth” and “You are the light of the world.” Let’s break down what that really means in plain, everyday language.
Salt of the Earth—What’s That About?
Back in Jesus’ time, salt was extremely valuable. People didn’t just use it to make food taste better—they used it to keep things from spoiling, since they didn’t have refrigerators. Salt preserved meat and other foods, keeping them good for longer. So when Jesus called his followers “the salt of the earth,” he was saying that they should help keep the world from going bad, making things better by being around.
But there’s a warning here too. Jesus says if salt loses its flavor—or its ability to do its job—it’s no longer useful. In other words, if someone claims to follow Jesus but doesn’t actually live it out, or loses their sense of purpose, they’re like salt that doesn’t taste salty anymore. It’s a little like having a flashlight with dead batteries—it’s not going to help much!
Light of the World—Shining Bright
Jesus also says, “You are the light of the world.” Think about how important light is—without it, we’d stumble around in the dark. Light helps us see where we’re going, and it can even make us feel safer and more at home. In the same way, Jesus wants his followers to live in a way that helps others see what’s good, right, and true. He compares his followers to a city on a hill that everyone can see, or a lamp on a stand that lights up the whole room.
This means that our actions—doing the right thing, being kind, telling the truth, helping others—aren’t meant to be hidden. We’re not supposed to keep our faith or good deeds a secret. Instead, we should let them shine out, so people notice and are inspired to do good too.
Why Does This Matter?
Jesus’ point is simple: if you follow him, you should make a difference in the world. Your life should add “flavor” to the places you go, and your example should shine out for others to see. When people look at how you live, they should see something good—something that points back to God. It’s not about showing off or trying to look better than others, but about living in a way that brings out the best in everyone and gives credit to God.
So, What Can We Do?
· Be real: Don’t just talk about doing good—actually do it. Be kind, honest, and helpful in your everyday life.
· Don’t hide your light: Let people see your good actions. You never know who’s watching or who might be encouraged because of you.
· Make a positive difference: Try to improve the situations you’re in, whether at home, at work, or with friends. Help others, stand up for what’s right, and look for ways to make things better.
· Remember why you do it: It’s not about getting praise for yourself, but about pointing people to something bigger—God’s love and goodness.
To sum up, when Jesus tells us to be “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world,” he’s giving us a challenge: don’t just blend in. Make the world a better place by how you live, and let your actions show what’s really important. That’s what it means to be salt and light!
Minister A Francine Green
August 2025
afrancinegreen.com 