Parables of Salt and Light
Introduction
Jesus was constantly attempting to get people to think outside the box. He did it by telling stories. These stories, the parables, tell us the nature of God’s Kingdom and how we ought to behave towards one another. In other words, what Jesus expects of us. It seems to me, the answer can be found, at least in part in the parables
Salt of the Earth
Matthew 5:13-16 “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 underfoot. “You are the light of the world. A town built 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 others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. NIV
At first glance the image of salt presented here seems to make no sense. In our day salt there’s nothing to be taken away they could make it less salty. However, in the time and place Jesus lived this was not the case. Most, if not all, the salt that the average person had contained impurities. This was the result of how the salt was collected without any of the modern processes for a more pure product. Salt was kept in clay jars. Overtime, as the salt was used, many of the impurities would sink to the bottom of the jar. As the jars were emptied eventually the bit that was left in the bottom was useless and emptied into the street before more fresh salt was added.
The lesson is clear. As we strive to follow Jesus it is important to carefully monitor our lives and throw out what is impure. Furthermore, this is a process that occurs over time. When we are young and/or new to the faith, new to following Jesus, there may be some glaring things that need to be discarded . For example, many will first look at obvious bad habits: drinking to excess, foul language, lying etc. but as we mature we may discover there are more and subtler sins like pride, selfishness or lack of humility that need to be thrown out.
Another lesson falls in a more positive direction. We need to answer the question: how is it that we salt the world, our area of influence, and the people in our lives? A quick Google search reveals there are 60 or more ways salt can be used. These are the most obvious: flavor enhancer, preserver, healing agent, cleanser, deodorizer, and pest repellant.
One of my seminary professors explained that parables, unlike analogies, work on the premise of “How much more?” Thus, if these things are true of salt, how much more might they be true for people and especially for followers of Jesus?
Questions for reflection
How do I add flavor to my interactions with others?
What does my presence contribute to my family, work environment, social groups etc.?
How can I bring healing to the wounds of people and institutions in my field of influence?
Who do I know that adds a sweet fragrance to my social, institutional, and work environments?
What does it mean to say someone is “the salt of the earth” and who do I know that embodies that description?
The Light of the world
When I lived in Tucson there were many directions I could look and see all the way to the horizon. Perhaps you have been on an ocean cruise and then able to see the horizon in all directions. In such a situation on the darkest of nights if there is the smallest of lights on the far horizon it can be seen. Likewise, even the faint LED light on the clock by my bed shines bright enough for me to walk about without stumbling into the furniture.
Moreover, when a light is lifted higher it brings clarity to a larger area. For example, you notice if you’ve ever been camping in a tent, in the darkness of night, if you turn on the flashlight next to your pillow it illuminates very little. However, if you hang it from the peak of the tent all within is illuminated. Even a candle can be seen three miles away. It is a frequent scenario of old war movies that an enemy has been detected by the light of his glowing cigarettes.
Over the years I have participated in many candle lit services. These give us another insight. The process of lighting everyone’s candle usually begins with the ignition of just one. Then from one to another and another. Usually the ushers or acolytes will light the candle at the end of each pew. The the people in the pews will share the flame across the pew until the whole sanctuary glows with the illumination of everyone’s candle.
I have known several people of whom it might be said “she lights a room.” Their very presence “brightens” the mood. There is “something about them” that lightens the atmosphere and cheers the assembly.
Questions for a Reflection
Who are the bright lights in your life?
What was a time when you were “in the dark” and someone helped you “see the light”?
Can you think of a church or other institution that is a “beacon of light” in a dark community?
In what ways might you let your light shine more brightly?
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