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Salt and Light

Jesus used vivid and memorable images to describe his followers. In his most famous sermon, he calls his followers the “salt of the earth” and the “light of the world” (Matt. 5:13, 14). In the Believer’s Bible Commentary, William MacDonald unpacks how those who original heard Jesus’ teaching understood these metaphors. Keep reading to see how he explains Jesus’ descriptions of his followers in his one-volume commentary on the Bible, the Believer’s Bible Commentary.

Believers Are Salt

You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.”

Matthew 5:13

Jesus likened His disciples to salt. They were to the world what salt is in everyday life: salt seasons food; it hinders the spread of corruption; salt creates thirst; it brings out the flavor. So His followers add piquancy to human society, serve as a preservative, and make others long for the righteousness described in the preceding verses.

If salt loses its flavor, how can its saltiness be restored? There is no way to restore the true, natural taste. Once it has lost its flavor, salt is good for nothing. It is discarded on a footpath. Albert Barnes’s comment on this passage is illuminating:

The salt used in this country is a chemical compound—and if the saltiness were lost, or it were to lose its savor, there would be nothing remaining. In eastern countries, however, the salt used was impure, mingled with vegetable and earthly substances; so that it might lose the whole of its saltiness, and a considerable quantity [of salt without flavor] remain. This was good for nothing except to place in paths, or walks, as we use gravel.

Barnes’ New Testament Notes

The disciple has one great function—to be the salt of the earth by living out the terms of discipleship listed in the Beatitudes and throughout the rest of the Sermon. If he fails to exhibit this spiritual reality, men will tread his testimony under their feet. The world has only contempt for an undedicated believer.

Believers Are Light

You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Matthew 5:14–16

Jesus also calls Christians the light of the world. He spoke of Himself as “the light of the world” (John 8:12; 12:35, 36, 46). The relationship between these two statements is that Jesus is the source of light; Christians are the reflection of His light. Their function is to shine for Him just as the moon reflects the glory of the sun.

The Christian is like a city that is set on a hill: t is elevated above its surroundings and it shines in the midst of darkness. Those whose lives exhibit the traits of Christ’s teaching cannot be hidden.

People do not light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they put it on a lampstand so that it will give light to all who are in the house. He did not intend that we hoard the light of His teaching for ourselves, but that we share it with others. We should let our light so shine that as people see our good works, they will glorify our Father in heaven. The emphasis is on the ministry of Christian character. The winsomeness of lives in which they display Christ speaks louder than the persuasion of words.

Get More Insights Like These with the Believer’s Bible Commentary

The Believer’s Bible Commentary is a one-volume commentary that works perfectly in the Olive Tree Bible App. This commentary by William MacDonald features comments on every verse of the Bible. Visit our store today and add this resource to your Olive Tree Library!

BELIEVER’S BIBLE COMMENTARY

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15 Comments

  2. Augustine Colon Reply

    I’m very happy for this message because it reinforce the believe that I’ve been having. At the same time I’m having a lot of self questions about the way I’m living and my life as a child. I’m trouble because when I became an adult I asked my mother ( why have you been treating me like the way you have all these years and she said that she never loved me and the reason why I was still around was because she wanted to get revenge on my father but she never had the chance so she took it out on me. I’ve never herd her say that she loves me not once, I never saw that she cared and every chance she got to express the hate she had for me, she made sure that I knew it and felt it. My father was never there for me and I was never told that he loves me: I began to asked God why I was born if I wasn’t wanted or loved. But as much hurt that I have in my heart I still believe that Jesus Christ died and resurrected for me. I’m having a hard time at this moment but I still have faith but I also know that if I have this pain in my heart and I don’t know if I truly forgave my parents and if it’s so then as much faith that I have I’m not going to enter Heaven. What I’m doing wrong or what, I’m really confused can I get help

  3. Lana Reply

    Read Romans 10:9 to get encouraged and ask Holly Spirit relieve you from unforgiveness if there is one. Separate yourself from the hateful mom and try finding love in God s word (claim all His promises over you life) and His people. Start helping a local church and ministry with anything you can offer. You are His child and were created for a reason. Jesus said “I will never leave you, never forget you”. ❤️

  5. Drift Hunters Reply

    These insights from the Believer’s Bible Commentary offer valuable perspectives for understanding and applying the significance of Jesus’ words to contemporary Christian life.

  8. Pokerogue Reply

    Your article is exceptionally well-written! The clarity of your arguments and the depth of your analysis make it a captivating read. I particularly appreciate how you supported your points with relevant examples. Keep up the fantastic work!

  9. Silvia Murray Reply

    What a practical and informative post! The author didn’t just present the facts but offered real, actionable insights that I can apply right away.

  11. Lows Adventures 2 Reply

    Wow, what a powerful reflection on the role of believers! It’s inspiring to think about how we can truly embody being the “salt of the earth” and “light of the world.” Let’s strive to enhance the flavor of our communities and shine brightly, so others can see the goodness of God through our actions. Together, we can make a meaningful impact! 🌟✨

  12. amalad Reply

    Wow, this reflection emphasizes the important role of believers! By embodying the essence of being the “salt of the earth” and “light of the world,” we can enhance our communities and showcase the goodness of God through our actions. Just like the impact we see in Monkey Mart, let’s work together to make a meaningful difference! 🌟✨ Monkey Mart

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