Lesson 2 | Learning to slow down: making observations, comparing versions
Quiz
Identify each statement below as either an observation, interpretation, or application from Matthew 5:13-16.
You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.
You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
—Matthew 5:13-16 ESV
These are words of Jesus.
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Jesus is addressing a crowd of people, particularly his disciples (5:1).
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Jesus presents two parallel metaphors, of salt and light.
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Jesus wants his disciples to be more bold.
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We should throw tasteless salt away.
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A church should be built on a hill so that all may see it.
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In each metaphor, Jesus presents a situation where the element has lost its particular value: salt is no longer salty; light hidden under a basket.
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Only with the second metaphor (light) does Jesus relate a specific command: "let your light shine before others."
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Nothing can be done with tasteless salt, but a hidden light can be made a beacon.
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Jesus connects his command to "let your light shine" with a purpose: "so that others may see... and give glory to God."
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Our good works should be done publicly.
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Elsewhere Jesus said, "I am the light of the world." Therefore when he says, "let your light shine," he is referring to a believer's testimony concerning Christ.
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