Let Your Light Shine – Matthew 5:1-16
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
5 “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Salt and Light
13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot.
14 “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. 15 No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
What does the passage say?
V. 1-12 Jesus’ greatest sermon begins while people are gathered on the top of the mountain. It starts with the Beatitudes, where Jesus redefines the meaning of being blessed. In the kingdom perspective, being blessed is not what possess, it is what we see.
The Message gives a new understanding to the truth Jesus is sharing.
“1-2 When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down and taught his climbing companions. This is what he said:
3 “You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.
4 “You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.
5 “You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought.
6 “You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat.
7 “You’re blessed when you care. At the moment of being ‘care-full,’ you find yourselves cared for.
8 “You’re blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.
9 “You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.
10 “You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom.
11-12 “Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don’t like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble. (v.3-12 The Message)
V. 13-16 After Jesus redefines what it is to be blessed, he redefines the purpose of his followers. He directly points out to the people, who followed him up to the mountaintop and told them that they are the salt and light of the world. Both elements are to bring difference into the world. If the salt doesn’t make change, it will be thrown away, and he says no one hides the light ‘under a bucket.’
What does this mean to me/ us?
Are these two stories connected? Yes, indeed. However, do we see it as a connected story, or do we considerate it independent from each other?
Jesus calls his followers to become the salt and light of this world. They are to bring change into this world. They are to show the new meaning of what it means to live a blessed life, where people are searching to be blessed. Jesus wants to make sure we understand what ‘being blessed’ means, according to his definition. When we truly understand and live out what Jesus says, we will be able to be the change Jesus is asking us to bring.
Lord, we seek to be blessed, like the followers who climbed the mountain with you. But the questions is, how much do we understand you message and follow it? Give us your spirit to fully understand your purpose, and be transformed by your grace, every day. May we live in this world to bring change, according to you will. In Christ Name, Amen.
What are your thoughts?
Click to subscribe to our Daily Devotion.
You will receive a devotion in your inbox every morning.