In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus described the character of one who would be one of His disciples. He made it very clear that His disciples would have an impact upon the world around them.
“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:13-16).
Jesus used three analogies – the salt of the earth, the light of the world, and a city set on a hill – to describe His disciples. Each one of these emphasizes different aspects of the influence which we are to have upon others, and how the world will react to us.
The Salt of the Earth
Jesus first described His disciples as “the salt of the earth.” But if salt does not do what it is intended to do, it is “no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men.” So what is salt meant to do? There are two primary uses of salt – to improve taste and to preserve food.
Salt is used to improve taste – A disciple who is properly focused on the kingdom of God will help make life among the kingdoms of men more palatable. Suffering is inherent in life. Job said, “Man, who is born of woman, is short-lived and full of turmoil” (Job 14:1). Oppression naturally comes when you have some men ruling over others, as Solomon said, “If you see oppression of the poor and denial of justice and righteousness in the province, do not be shocked at the sight; for one official watches over another official, and there are higher officials over them” (Ecclesiastes 5:8). However, God’s people can make these conditions easier to handle by teaching the truth about the reward that awaits those who are faithful (Colossians 3:2; 2 Corinthians 5:1-4).
Salt is a preservative – The fact that disciples, as salt, preserve the earth does not mean that the more righteous and numerous God’s people are, the longer God’s judgment and destruction of the world will be delayed. God has already “fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness” (Acts 17:31). That day has been determined and no one by their righteous deeds will delay it. Instead, this means that Christians, by their godly lives, will help preserve what is good and right on the earth. By their words of admonition, Christians will help persuade others to live righteously in service to God as well.
The Light of the World
Jesus then called His disciples “the light of the world.” As lights, God’s people would not be able to be hidden, nor should they try to be hidden. No one lights “a lamp and [puts] it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house” (Matthew 5:15). Therefore, we must “let [our] light shine before men” (Matthew 5:16).
Light shows us the way – The psalmist described the word of God as “a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). The word of God shows us the way we must go in order to please God. But Christians also act as lights in enlightening others of the truth and showing them the way of salvation. Again, this light must not be put under a basket and hidden. Therefore, we must use every opportunity we have to influence others with the truth and lead them to the Lord (cf. 1 Peter 3:15).
Light exposes wickedness – Jesus described Himself as “the Light of the world” (John 8:12). Earlier in John’s gospel, as the Lord was speaking with Nicodemus, He used this same analogy. “This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil. For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed” (John 3:19-20). Light exposes all things, including wickedness and sin. The disciples of Christ, as lights in the world, must also expose wickedness. Paul wrote, “Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them” (Ephesians 5:11). By our words and actions, we must present a clear distinction between what is right and what is wrong.
A City Set on a Hill
The third analogy Jesus used of His disciples was that they were “a city set on a hill.” The fact that the city was situated on a hill was significant.
A city on a hill is highly visible – Just as the lamp on a lampstand would give light to all the house, a Christian, as a city set on a hill, will stand out. Paul told us not to be “conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). Jesus said that others will necessarily “see [our] good works” (Matthew 5:16; cf. 1 Peter 2:12).
A city on a hill is a target – Jesus warned His apostles that being different from the world would cause others to hate them: “If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you” (John 15:19). In the same way, all Christians who are not “conformed to this world” (Romans 12:2), will become targets for attack. Paul warned Timothy, “All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12). Peter said, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you…as though some strange thing were happening to you” (1 Peter 4:12). Persecution for one’s faith is to be expected.
A city on a hill is in a position of strength – Even though Christians will be persecuted, we should not despair. Jesus said, “Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul” (Matthew 10:28). A city that is set on a hill naturally has better defenses. When we are on the Lord’s side, we do not need to fear defeat. He is the Lamb who will be victorious (Revelation 17:14). Paul wrote, “If God is for us, who is against us?” (Romans 8:31). The Hebrew writer quoted the psalmist: “The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What will man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:6). Through Christ, we “overwhelmingly conquer” (Romans 8:37).
Conclusion
As disciples of Christ, we cannot blend in with the world around us. If we follow Him as we should, we will stand out. But these verses teach us that being different should not drive us to isolation. Rather, we must use our words and deeds in such a way that we might have a positive impact upon others, helping to lead them to the Lord and His truth.
this is a glorious one. God bless you for publishing it. Thank you