13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; 15 nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 5:13-16
Who was Jesus talking to in His Sermon on the Mount? He was speaking with the crowds that came to Him when they heard he was preaching truth with authority. Finally! Someone speaking the Truth. The news about Him spread rapidly around the region and people were bringing those who were afflicted by disease and demon possession. I think they were tired of Pharisee nonsense – they were tired of being oppressed through religious teaching.
The multitudes who came to see this Nazarene preacher. Jesus must have looked out over the gathered crowd- these were normal people. Poor, oppressed, and afflicted.
Jesus did not go to the those with power and influence. He went to the street where the people are. He looked out on the crowd of people and begins to speak. He starts with the beatitudes. He then says something they didn’t expect: YOU are the salt of the earth. YOU are the light of the world.
Now the Pharisees must have been present when he said these words. Perhaps they were more that a little annoyed Jesus had acquired such a following in a short time. The Pharisees – the Sanhedrin assumed they represented God due to their high position as teachers of the law. But their teachings had developed over hundreds of years during the Maccabee period – twisting the Word of God to fit their controlling traditions instead of the scripture. Jesus would later say that were nullifying the Word of God for the sake of their traditions, that their precepts were the teachings of men.
The Pharisees, who criticized Jesus for eating with sinners and tax collectors, sought only power, prestige, fine clothes, the honored place in the Synagogue. These same people – religious leaders – plotted against Jesus who was the Son of God. Interesting. Religious leaders who claimed to represent God put Him to death on a cross. Religious leaders – always making a name for themselves at the expense of normal people seeking God. Not much has changed.
The power of God for salvation, the gospel of the kingdom, works through normal people who come to Jesus for healing, salvation and truth.
- For You light my lamp; The LORD my God illumines my darkness. Psalms 18:28
- Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path. Psalms 119:105
- Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.” John 8:12
The Light: the Word of God, the Gospel, and the Son of God – the Word made flesh and came here to live among us. This is the light which believers, followers of Mssiah, should shine to a dark world.
Its up to us – the crowds who repent and trust Christ. Not the professional ministers, not the rich and powerful, not the televangelists or the leaders of the church. As the world continues in darkness who will bring the light? If you trust in Christ, look in the mirror. YOU. He calls you to be salt and light.
What are you waiting for?
Lord, help us to put off the darkness and shine the light of salvation in Christ.
