Lesson 2 of 5
Salt, light and the law
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Study objective: Understand the disciples’ calling in the world and Jesus’ relation to the law.
Reading: Matthew 5:13–20
Matthew 5:13–20 WEB
13“You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt has lost its flavor, with what will it be salted? It is then good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under the feet of men. 14“You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill can’t be hidden. 15Neither do you light a lamp and put it under a measuring basket, but on a stand; and it shines to all who are in the house. 16Even so, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven. 17“Don’t think that I came to destroy the law or the prophets. I didn’t come to destroy, but to fulfill. 18For most certainly, I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not even one smallest letter or one tiny pen stroke shall in any way pass away from the law, until all things are accomplished. 19Therefore, whoever shall break one of these least commandments and teach others to do so, shall be called least in the Kingdom of Heaven; but whoever shall do and teach them shall be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven. 20For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, there is no way you will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.
Background and context
Jesus tells his followers they are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. He then says he came not to abolish the law and the prophets but to fulfil them, and that their righteousness must exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees.
Observe
- “You are” the salt and the light: an identity, not a task to earn.
- Light is meant to be seen so that others glorify the Father (5:16).
- Jesus came to fulfil the law (5:17).
- He calls for a righteousness beyond outward rule-keeping (5:20).
Words, people and events to notice
- Fulfil
- To bring to completion or its intended goal. Matthew 5:17
Understand
- What do salt and light do, and what does that suggest about the disciples’ role?
- Why should good works lead people to glorify the Father, not the doers (5:16)?
- What might it mean to exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees?
Connect
- Philippians 2:14–15
Shining as lights in the world.
Reflect
- Where could your life be salt or light this week?
- Are your good works pointing to God or to you?
Key takeaways
Editorial summary, not Scripture.
- Disciples are salt and light.
- Jesus fulfils the law and calls for a deeper righteousness.
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