HEALTHY CHRISTIAN/HEALTHY CHURCH
(Let Your Light Shine Before Men - January 14, 2024)
Series Big Idea: "Christ followers find their identity and mission in their covenant relationship with God"
Sermon Big Idea: “Salt and light symbolize covenant identity and mission for Jesus' disciples"
Key Scripture (Matthew 5:13-16)
The great preacher and theologian John G. Butler once said that Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount, as recorded in Matthew, is the crown jewel of all the teaching and preaching of Christ. I would agree. Packed into these four powerful verses Jesus gives a beautiful image of the identity of His followers as well as the mission that flows from that identity. Jesus continued just as He had begun His sermon here in chapter five by describing his follower’s identity (who they are), not their behavior or action (what they should do).
(Matthew 5:13-16)
13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt should lose its taste, how can it be made salty? It’s no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled on by men. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
The image of salt that Jesus uses here has many symbolic meanings but the one that seems to fit best in this passage is the identity of a Christ follower. Jesus said that those who follow Him, He declares to be salt and light to the world. In biblical times, salt had several purposes. Israel had several salt pits and was close to the Dead Sea, making salt easily accessible (Zephaniah 2:9). Salt was used for seasoning (Job 6:6), preserving, healing (Ezekiel 16:4), and destroying (Judges 9:45). But it was also ceremonial (Leviticus 2:13; Ezekiel 43:24) and was used in making covenants (Numbers 18:19; 2 Chronicles 13:5).
All Old Testament offerings were to include salt. Why? Possibly because it was symbolic of Israel’s covenant relationship with God. This was the foundation of the Old Testament Levitical sacrificial system. In the ancient Near East salt was considered to be indestructible, even by fire. A “covenant of salt” could refer to an eternal covenant. Here in our verses, Jesus says, you are the salt of the earth. In other words, I have promised to those who believe, eternal life. And my covenant is forever! This is who we are. His forever! (John 10:27-27). The only reason we as Christians can be the salt of the earth is because Christ’s sacrifice. It is the promised power of His resurrection that enables us to be salt. His followers will be like salt in an evil world to improve taste, causing those who are dead in their sins to want to know more about the gospel of Christ.
Conclusion:
The main idea here is that salt maintains it basic character. When it fails to be salty it loses its reason for existence. It is of no use to anyone except to be thrown out and trampled by men. Jesus said you are the light of the world. A lamp provides light so others can see in the darkness, and it is foolish to conceal it. Jesus has been discussing kingdom people in His sermon. Citizens of His kingdom are light and they must shine their light and not conceal it. This will cause the enhancement of God’s reputation in the world through His Son Jesus. I want you to think about this church. Light is to be used to help people see, not to bring attention to the lamp. (Matthew 5:16) “In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”
Pastor Beaver's thoughts and ideas are inspired by:
Holman Christian Standard Bible
English Standard Version Bible
King James Version Bible
Christian Standard Bible
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