In ancient culture they relied heavily on salt for a few different reasons. Salt was a basic and important item for them. It had three main uses. First, it was used as a preservative. We have to remember that they did not have refrigerators or any systems of keeping their food fresh so often times if they wanted to store food, such as meat or fish, they would salt them to keep them fresher for a longer time. Salt was also used as protection believe it or not. Even in modern Israel certain types of salt is sometimes scattered on the soil of flat roofs to help harden the soil and prevent leaks. The third and most obvious use of salt is for taste. Salt can make food taste better and make it more enjoyable to eat.
In Matthew 5:13, Jesus talking to his disciples says, “You are the salt of 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 by men.” What is Jesus talking about here? Why does he refer to his disciples as the salt of the earth?
Here Jesus is telling his disciples that if they are true disciples they cannot lose their effectiveness. Many times the salt gathered in the Middle Eastern region was diluted with other impurities and after some time the same salt would lose its taste and effectiveness. Jesus is telling his audience not to lose what is essential to the Christian faith but to go out and permeate society and keep righteousness preserved. True disciples should also make things better by seasoning it with the truth of God and protecting those that might be influenced negatively. If the Christian cannot add truth and righteous living to society then they are not true disciples and might as well be thrown out and trampled by others. They are worthless in a sense.
It is interesting to note in the next few verses Jesus also compares his disciples to light. Salt and light were common substances that everyone would understand. Thus, it makes perfect sense why Jesus used these analogies. Jesus said in verse 14-16, “ You are the light of the world. A city 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 men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Light was used as a symbol in the Old and New Testament. It most frequently symbolized purity as opposed to filth. The reference to the city on a hill was pretty obvious to Jesus’ audience. Ancient towns were often built of white limestone and gleamed in the sunlight as well as illuminated at night from all the oil lamps that were lit. These cities could not be hidden. They were there in plain sight for all to see. And because oil was costly it would be foolish to light a lamp and then cover it up. What would be the point? In the same way followers of Jesus are to be like lamps on a lamp stand, shining the truth of Christ to everyone.
The believer’s good deeds will be the light that will shine and give praise to God. When people on the outside see that Christians are living a life that is pleasing to God and one that is in love, they will also praise God. We need to shine our lights into this dark and sinful world. It starts first by living a life that is pleasing to God and then by illuminating the way so a person can also become a follower of Christ. The Christian life should not be passive but active in preserving, enhancing, and protecting like salt and shining and leading like light. Who will you be a salt and light to today?
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