Lesson 3 – You are the Salt, You are Light

 You are Salt – Matthew 5:13 – 14  

"You are thesaltof the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot." In these verses, Jesus uses the metaphors of salt and light to describe the role and influence of his followers in the world. By saying "You are the salt of the earth," Jesus is conveying that his disciples have the capacity to bring flavor, preservation, and impact to the world around them. Salt was a valuable commodity in ancient times, used for seasoning food and preserving it from decay. Likewise, Jesus expects his disciples to bring positive influence and help preserve moral values in society. 

What is Salt? A USEFUL mineral

Information about Salt can be found here:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salt

 Qualities & Purposes of Salt

• Flavor! Eggs, Potatoes, etc. 

• Preservative (preserve Food) & Transportation of Food –          

Q. Which foods? 

• Health / anti-bacterial properties

 Value of Salt

Why is salt so important?  

In earlier times, and throughout the Middle Ages, salt was a valuable commodity, also referred to as "white gold." This high demand for salt was due to its important use in preserving food, especially meat and fish. Being so valuable, soldiers in the Roman army were sometimes paid with salt instead of money. 

You = salt of the earth

The Bible contains numerous references to salt. In various contexts, it is used metaphorically to signify permanence (lasting or unchanging) , loyalty, durability, fidelity, usefulness, value, and purification. 

You are Light - Matthew 5:14-16
You are the light of the world. 

A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. 

Jesus further declares, "You are the light of the world." Light symbolizes truth, guidance, and righteousness. He encourages his disciples to let their light shine before others, demonstrating good works and pointing people towards God. A city on a hill cannot be hidden; similarly, followers of Jesus should not hide their faith or the positive impact it can have on others.

These verses call believers to be agents of change and bring positive influence to their communities. They remind us of our responsibility to reflect God's love, truth, and righteousness in our actions and interactions with others. Just as salt and light have distinct and noticeable effects, Jesus wants his disciples to make a noticeable and transformative impact in the world through their words and deeds.