“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.”
Jesus now gives two metaphors or similitudes (salt and light) that depict those who represent the kingdom. Jesus now turns to the calling and position of His disciples in the world.
5:13
“You are the salt of the earth,
The word “you” is emphatic. Jesus wanted to make it abundantly clear that every believer is a representative of the kingdom. Jesus emphatically declared that His followers are to be (1) salt and (2) light to the world. Believers have a duty to the world.
“Salt” creates thirst when it comes to eating. Its saline quality seasons and makes food tasty.
The phrase “of the earth” refers to the sphere of ministry of Jesus’ disciples.
but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored?
When salt loses its ability to enhance flavor, it loses its effectiveness. It is insipid, flat. “Lost its taste” is literally defiled. Pure salt maintains its flavor but, ironically, some followers of Christ lost their saltiness. The only way for pure salt to lose its flavor is to mix it with other chemicals. It still looks like salt but it has lost its saltiness. We lose our testimony in the world if we mix the truth with other elements. God’s truth is always mutually exclusive.
It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.
Salt that loses its effectiveness is worthless. It can neither preserve nor provide taste. It is a worthless agent of change.
PRINCIPLE:
Christians have a duty to the world.
APPLICATION:
No believer can live in separation from the world. We are not of the world, but we are in it. The purpose of a salty Christian is to make an effect on others. Many individuals and churches have lost their appeal to non-Christians. The church has lost its pungency to the non-Christian world, for God designed them to touch society. Christians cannot live in isolation, cocooned from society. God designed them to reach out and touch.
I want to know more about Matthew 5/13&14
I want more information in the bible
John, I am not sure what you mean. Go to the upper right page and hit book then verse and you will have access to 6000 pages of information.
Dr. Richison, thank you for such a direct commentary, It helped me gain new perspective on the subject matter for my sermon this Sunday.
Its good but not enough
I heard a sermon on salt and they did make a statement about the light. I enjoyed because I had wonder about the meaning of it. I understand much better now. I missed the opertunity to go back and talk more on it. I want let that stop me from breaking down the meaning of salt and light to pull out the relationship it has to do with me and God. You been very helpful.
Now I have a question: It is the word Again, my question is where else does this statement is mentioned in the bible?
In Mat 18:19 the scripture states: 19 “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.
Markia, I am not sure about your question. Are you asking how many times does the word “again” occur?
Markia,
I believe you are referring to verse 18 where Jesus says it the first time, only with different wording.
Markia, the word “again” in Matthew 18:19 simply means to return to a former place. Matthew is making a point that he formerly made.
Thank you so much for your insight..LOVE it..I have been teaching on the Beatitudes for 3-or-4 months now and this is the iceing on the cake…It ministered to me so much that I felt a heavy conviction while studying it…The Holy Spirit has ways of showing us our own shortcomings..Thank You Jesus that I am yours.
Thank you woodie–your response to the Word is a blessing to me.
“It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.” So what does that ACTUALLY mean will happen to those who lose their saltiness??
Bob, the idea is that the Christian will lose his effectiveness in sharing the gospel or his testimony with others.
I love the way u described how the salt loose its saltness. Grace
Thank you Gulilat
I think this is among the most vital information for me. And i am glad reading your article. But wanna remark on few general things, The web site style is great, the articles is really great : D. Good job, cheers|
Scottie, thank you for your comment.
I understand the idea that Christians will lose their effectiveness, but what about the part that asks, "how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men". That does not sound reassuring to me at all. Doesn't repentance bring back a Christians "saltiness?" We all fall at some point in our walk with Christ.
Cindy, there is nothing in this passage that says a person cannot restore their saltiness. The point is that as long as we lose that saltiness we are good for nothing spiritually. It is important not to make a simile walk on all fours. Jesus is making a very simple statement or analogy here.
Thank you for reminding me to keep it simple Grant. There is so much more in His Word that assures us of God's grace and mercy in Jesus. Sometimes I tend to over think things.
The sermon at church yesterday was on the topic of "salt and light"..thanks for expanding on this subject. I think it is a constant reminder for all believers to be aware of our purpose in this world and to recognize the power of our influence. Just as you have said in the passage above , "We are ambassadors and representatives of Christ". Thanks for the edification. To God be the Glory.
Clear and concise – a great explanation. Appreciate the time you put in! God bless you. JB
salt here represent the character or the life style of jesus,when someone is walking in the principle of jesus christ,that person is representing him in the world,and if salt lost his test it has become useless,meaning that if that person depart from doing the will of god,the person has become useless in the world,any person who is not walking in the principle of god is useless.
Please explain further mathew 5:13-15
Lee, just advance to next article
Amen! The matter now is do you maintain your saltiness?
It is suppose to read “how do you maintain your saltiness?
I am study the book of Matthew. I started in March and I am picking up where I left off. I skipped Matthew 5:13 knowing I didn’t understand it, thanks for clarity. God definitely spoke to through this passage.
I lost my faith completely and didn't believe, I had strayed my life style from God completely. I want it all back, does this mean I can't get back?
Ashlon, this passage has to do with Christians influencing others. Some will lose their effectiveness and others will be successful in ministry. This passage has nothing to do with losing your faith.
There are two possibilities about your faith. 1. You may not have been a true believer in the first place and need to accept by faith the sacrifice of Christ on the cross to forgive your sins. Or, 2. You may need to confess your sins as a believer to get back on track as a Christian (1 Jn 1:9).