Sermon on the Mount III: Salt and Light ...

Monday, Nov 24, 2014. We do not like narcisstic people, usually. We do not like those who love themselves too much and consider themselves to be better than others. But we love those who are humble and do not think they are better, but are open to others, admire their strength and are full of compassion with difficulties and problems.

Salt and Light …

But in the Sermon on the mount, Jesus is talking to his disciples, telling them very far reaching things about their particular role. Let us listen, before discussing the meaning of what we hear:

13 “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Matth. 5, 13-16)

Jesus is telling his disciples that they are the salt of the earth, they are the light of the world. That is quite strong. Light of the world - if people other than Jesus come with such a statement, you would probably declare them to be close to being mentally deficient. Salt of the earth is a similar and strong term!

The background of these statements …

With the background knowledge about the New Testament, we can see the statements of Jesus within a broader context. Why should his disciples be the light of the world? Why the salt of the earth? Why they and not other people? Why does he need these terms at all?

First, let us note that Jesus talked to his disciples in this Sermon on the Mount. He talked to those who came and believed in him. It is faith which makes people salt of the earth and light of the world. It is faith in him, in Christ Jesus, in God's forgiveness, God's mercy, God's son. He is the open door, the way, the truth and the light. And by faith people enter his kingdom. By faith they become a part of him - he called them “his body”. As he is the only light, they become the light, when they live in his peace, his truth, his love - “in him”.

When you see the terms, which Jesus uses, in a broader context, then they loose their mental components. It is not us, who would be light by ourselves. It is not us, who would be salt of the earth by ourselves. It is God alone, who can be light and salt, but he takes us into his plans. We take part in his mercy. We are meant to learn and be changed, to live in his love. This is what being “light of the world” is about - messangers of peace. Reliable. Giving. Foregiving. Working. Enjoying. Helping. But also: full of clarity. With open eyes. Kids of the light. (RWEP) ... more texts