Matthew 5:13-16

Summary: With the metaphors of salt and light, Jesus simultaneously teaches how important it is for the church to be in the world while remaining distinct from the world. If the church is salt and light, then by contrast, Jesus is saying the world is inclined toward decay and darkness. Ever since the days of Abraham, it has always been the mission of God’s people to bless the world, even when the world ignores or even despises our witness. The church’s light is the reflected light of him who is the true light of the world. We preserve the world’s decay and illumine its darkness as we live according to the teaching and example of Jesus Christ. 

For Personal Reflection: Which do you think is your greater struggle: letting your light shine (i.e. being in the world), or keeping your salt salty (i.e. being distinct from the world)?