He Defines a Disciple

["Click here for Matthew's account"]

The second teaching in this "Sermon on the Mount", defines a disciple. In this lesson, Christ tells them who they are, what they are and what they are to do. Christ first tells that they are "the salt of the earth". Notice the characteristics of salt:

  1. A small amount goes a long way.
  2. Even when diluted and dissolved, it does not loose it's flavor.
  3. It is outstanding among spices.
  4. It is cleansing.
  5. It preserves.
  6. In the 18th. chapter of Numbers, an "everlasting covenant" is called a "covenant of salt".
  7. Salt was required in all the Old Testament sacrifices.

Christ said, as Christians, we are the salt of the earth.

Inferred here also was that they , as well as we, should be "seasoned" with the Truth, the Gospel. Know what you believe otherwise you cannot teach others. Mankind is pictured as meat requiring the preserving qualities of salt and the Gospel is the salt that will preserve an otherwise lost people.

There were many superstitions in the early church. Salt was believed to have an ill omen if it fell upon you, indicating your inability to accept the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Later this superstition changed and it was considered an ill omen if salt fell toward you, requiring you to take some and throw it over your shoulder.

If salt looses its taste, what good is it? If they, the disciples, or if we, His followers, loose our zeal and enthusiasm for the Gospel, what good are we. We become unusable, unprofitable, fit only to be cast out and trodden under foot.

Having called them "the salt of the earth, he continued to define them as "the light of the world". They, as Disciples, and we, as his followers, are as a light set upon a hill. Our lives are under constant scrutiny, we will either help the cause of Christ or we will hinder it. As the light of the world, we are expected to give light to others, yes, either use it or loose it. We, if we are filled with the love of Christ, cannot hide it. A light set upon a hill cannot be hid.. It will give light to all that will draw near it.

How must our light shine? By the doing of good works. What are good works? Good works is being obedient and doing the will of the Father. Why? That others might be brought into a saving relationship with Christ, thus glorifying God. As leaders of the Church, we are cautioned to set a good example for others, in our speech,in our attitudes toward others and the services of worship.


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