Opening: How many salt
shakers do you think you have in your house? How about light switches?
Scripture: Sunday’s message
is our text today. Read Matthew 5:13-16.
Insights:
- In Jesus’ day, salt was currency for Roman soldiers. It also represented purity. As far as light, we need to imagine a world without electric light or clear glass windows; every time a person went into a home or a dwelling, it would be dark. Therefore, salt and light were very valuable.
- The verb “are” in verses 13 and 14 is in the indicative mode rather than the imperative mode. What does that mean? Jesus does not command His disciples to be salt and light (that would be an imperative verb). Instead, if we are, by the grace of God, the kind of people God wants us to be, then our presence will serve to season and purify and enlighten interpersonal relationships within our sphere of influence. However, if we are not the kinds of person God wants us to be, then no matter how hard we may try, we will lose our saltiness and we will become lifeless and worthless.
- When Jesus told us to be the light of the world, it may have been the greatest compliment that was ever paid to the individual Christian, for in it Jesus commands the Christian to be what He Himself claimed to be. Jesus said, "But while I am here in the world, I am the light of the world.”[1] When Jesus commanded His followers to be the lights of the world, he demanded nothing less than that they should be like Himself.[2]
Life Questions:
- If you don’t have a copy of The Message Bible, here is how Eugene Peterson paraphrases verses 13 and 14: “13Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage. 14Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world.”[3] How does this paraphrase help you understand your influence in the world?
- Peterson continues his paraphrase: “God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.”[4] What does that mean for you personally? For our church?
Prayer Focus: For tomorrow’s
worship celebration, that we would truly and meaningfully worship the Christ
who calls us to effect a change, and that we would be the city on a hill
proclaiming God’s favors and God’s colors.
Message Series: “Send Me.”
Tomorrow’s
Message Title: “To Effect a Change.” Kevin Cline will be preaching.
