Matthew 5:13-20

“One story Jesus told as he was teaching from a mountain was about how we are like salt and light.

Jesus said, ‘You can be like salt to the rest of the world!’

The people were a bit confused. ‘Us … like salt?’ they asked.”

That’s how the editors of the Spark Story Bible for children address some of the verses in Matthew 5. And then they continue to tell the story so that younger reader might understand:

“Jesus continued. ‘Salt is important. It keeps food from going bad and makes it taste better too! Just a few specks of salt may not seem like much, but it makes a big difference to the food we eat. You may feel small, like a tiny speck of salt, but you are important!’

‘You can be like light to the rest of the world too!’ The people were curious to hear how Jesus would explain this. ‘Even a small lamp can light up a big room,’ Jesus said. ‘Even though you are just one person, what you do and say changes the world around you. You shouldn’t hide the bright light that you are! Show the love you have for God all day and every day!’

It is a simple message that makes sense in theory and in practice. We have been called to live our lives as Christ’s followers, each day. We have been blessed to be a bigger blessing than we might imagine.

Prayer

God, let me be the salt and the light that is needed to make a difference in my life and in the lives of those around me today and every day. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.