- Two metaphors
- One main point
- One all-consuming goal
Summary: Good works grow out of good character. Having described in the Beatitudes the type of people his followers ought to be in terms of their character, Jesus now illustrates with two metaphors what his followers ought to do in terms of their good works. Just as salt enhances food and light illumines darkness, so too the Christ-follower's life is to be filled with good works. By living a life of good works, Christians become noticeably distinct in this bland and dark world and their distinctiveness is precisely what causes unbelievers in their spheres of influence to encounter the living God. Jesus commands us to be distinct, to be salty and bright, that others might taste and see that God is good.
Discussion Questions:
- What is the relationship between the Beatitudes and the call to be salt and light?
- What can we learn about salt and light from our text?
- What is the shared main point Jesus emphasizes in these metaphors?
- What is the all-consuming goal of living salty and bright lives?
- What is the relationship between salt & light, good works, and God's glory?
- What can we learn about our Savior's heart by what he commands in v.16?
- Note: the "you" is plural (y'all). Thus, this teaching applies to the church as a whole not just to individual Christians. How does a church become salty and bright, distinct from the world?
Application Questions:
- In what ways am I distinct from unbelievers in my life and thus a means for them to see God?
- In what ways am I not distinct enough and thus hindering them from seeing God?
Prayer Points:
- Confess to God ways you are not distinct and look too much like the world.
- Praise Jesus, the Distinct One, the Light who shined in our darkness allowing us to see God.
- Thank God for all the ways He is helping you live a distinct life.
- Acknowledge how much you need God to help you shine brighter and brighter!
- Pray for a love for unbelievers in your life, that through your distinctness they might taste and see that God is good.
