Read aloud Matthew 5:13-16. What are the metaphors that Jesus uses to describe the people he is speaking to?
What Is the Situation?
As the Sermon on the Mount continues, Jesus is moving from encouraging those who suffer, to inspiring them to realize who they are from God’s perspective. But he also makes a point about what happens to them if they lose their “saltiness” in serving Jesus with joy and resolve.
To Whom Is Jesus Speaking?
If you have been paying attention, you know the answer!
“’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.’”
This is Command No. 5.
What Does the Command’s Verb Tense Suggest?
Here is a second usage of the command “Let.” Recall that its use in Command No. 1 suggested letting go of something or stepping away from a situation, while the Greek here is a little different and the meaning is “to shine or to produce light, as in the case of heavenly bodies, lightning, candles and torches” (Louw & Nida 14.37).
This word also pushes the command to a sense of urgency: Just let your light shine right now so that people may see your good works and so that they will learn how to give glory to God. This command has both a continuous aspect – always – and an instantaneous aspect – just do it. This points us to the need to just do it, but to just keep on doing it.
What Is the Overarching Theme of This Command? How Is It Related to Perfect Unity?
Letting your light shine could describe a significant number of overarching themes. First, letting your light shine focuses on your behavior moving toward perfect unity, because what you do influences others who see your good works for the Lord. In addition, the symbol of light reflects the never-ending love of God shining on all of us. So when your light shines, it too illuminates hearts just as God’s love does. Do you see yourself in God’s light? If so, are you reflecting it? If so, you are letting your light, which is actually God’s light, shine brighter than sunlight!
Discussion
Do you feel that you are the salt of the earth?
What kind of seasoning do you provide?
Do you feel special in the presence of God?
Are you a well-lit city on a hill, unable to be hidden?
If not, what do you think you need to do to become one who shines?
What good works are perfect for you that will cause people to give glory to God in heaven?
Is it ever too late to shine more brightly than you are right now?