When we gather to hear Jesus speak in Matthew 5:13-20, we hear him say some rather remarkable things. Jesus describes his followers as the “salt of the earth” and the “light of the world.” He doesn't say, “Someday you will be like salt and light.” He doesn't say, “If you work hard all your life, you will be salt and light.” He doesn't say, “When you get to the point where you have no problems and are just about perfect….” No, Jesus tells us, “You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world.”
Isn’t it amazing that a sermon Jesus preached almost 2000 years ago still “works” for us today? He was so effective in using simple objects to help us remember that the realm of God is all around us. He talked about ordinary things—salt, light, bread, water, wine—and transformed them into extraordinary reminders of God’s love and goodness and presence.