Jesus- Salt Should Be Salty, Light Should Give Light

By Mary Vee
Matthew 5

From Matthew's Journal 

Photo by Mary Vee. View down to the Sea of Galilee from
the Mountain where it is believed Jesus was at this time.
Capernaum is down and to the left by the shore.

My name is Matthew. I am a disciple of Jesus. I am here with other disciples, so they may add something to today's post. 

A lot has happened today already. Jesus started the morning with chasing 12 of the disciples to be his apostles. I was fortunate to be one of those chosen. He then walked to a big plain where many people came to be healed and hear him speak.

To let his voice carry to all the people, he went up the nearby mountain edging up to the Sea of Galilee where the people could sit and he could sit at a higher level, which helped the sound carry to everyone who wanted to hear.

Jesus first gave blessings. Nine of them. 

We all know the benefits of salt. First of all it brings out good, hidden flavors, and it preserves food. We weren't far from a market where many of the local people bought food.

A salt mine in Germany
 Photo Courtesy

Jesus used these thoughts with what he said next. He was speaking to those who believed.

"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again?"

He had a point there.

Jesus said, "Once the salt has lost its saltiness it's no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.

Jesus paused, giving the people a moment to think about the meaning. Then he said, "You are the light of the world. A city built on a hilltop cannot be hidden."

Photo Courtesy

That was true. I think about Jerusalem, built on high ground. The city can be seen from far away.

Jesus then said, "People with a light don't put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on a stand to give light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father who is in heaven.


Amazing words, right? There  is much more to what he said. I and the other disciples will break it into pieces for you. Trust me, you won't want to miss a single bit!

Author's note, this section is from the Sermon on the Mount. Come back to read the next story.

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sources: 
*A Harmony of the Gospels for Historical Study, An Analytical Synopsis of the Four Gospels by William Arnold Stevens and Ernest DeWitt Burton, Charles Scribner's Sons, New York 1932
*New International Version, New King James Version. 
*My Bible College training.
*My notes and walk through classes I've taught in Children's church. Answers to student questions, etc.
*Pastoral sermons on this time
*Matthew Henry Commentary
*F. LaGard Smith Commentary
*My notes from my trip to Israel.
*Photos from my trip to Israel.