The Law in a New LightSample

Salt and Light

I wonder who Jesus is referring to when he speaks of salt and light. Was he saying it of the disciples or Israel? Or both? Who is the salt of the earth and the light of the world? If he was referring to Israel what he is saying is damning. Being trampled underfoot is what happened to the nation. But equally, if it is to the disciples (which is more likely) it is a challenge to living right, to be a light, to add flavour. Either way, nobody escapes. Interestingly, neither salt nor light are vaguely neutral properties; salt is a specific taste that adds flavour and preserves, and light and darkness are fundamentally opposed - light dispels the dark.

The light is good works. But it helps us to define good works when spoken of by Jesus. If the gospels are any indication, it is a plethora of things: preaching the Kingdom, healing, feeding, teaching, shepherding, serving, which acts all bring glory to “your father who is in heaven.” Good works may include other things that display grace, kindness, and love – but whatever the work its intended goal is bringing glory to God. Social justice, as a this-world project, doesn’t do this. Kingdom-mindedness is the focus of these good works, and not just the display of moral virtue (although it does not exclude this).

It is instructive to note that the next section of Matthew 5 is about the Law. This is because the Law, properly appreciated and lived, was to be both salt and light to the Gentiles. The nation of Israel was to be a light to the world, a beacon in darkness – this is what God has said, this is what God wants, this is what God is like. Sadly, they constantly failed, but Jesus became all the Law was meant to be. He fulfilled and completed the Law and the Prophets in his life, death, and resurrection. Jesus is the correct translation.