Matthew's Book Leader Notes - Session 3

You Are Salt and Light Matthew 5:13-16

What does it mean to be salt and light?  Generally speaking, salt is a reference to our efforts to fight against the sin and moral decay in our world (salt preserves) and light is a reference to the gospel message we share with people who do not know Jesus (Jesus is the light of the world).

There are a couple of things to focus on in this session.  First are the "you are" statements.  Jesus doesn't say we can be or will be, but we are the salt and light in our world.  This speaks to not only His expectations of our lives, but also His belief in us to act as the salt and light of His Kingdom in this world.  Jesus believes we can actually do it!  Second, is the need to be both different, but also closely connected with the world around us.  If we are too similar to the world around us, then we lose our saltiness and our light dims.  If we are disconnected from the world around us, then our salt and light never impact those that need it.