A Disciple’s Influence (Lesson 2)

Thank you for taking the time to join me today as we reflect on Matthew 5:13-16. This passage follows immediately after the Beatitudes and serves as a powerful commission for Jesus’ disciples, calling them to be both salt and light in the world.

The Influence of a Disciple

In Matthew 5:13-16, Jesus uses two vivid metaphors – salt and light – to describe the role of his followers in the world. He begins by declaring, “You are the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13). In ancient times, salt had two primary functions: it preserved food from decay and enhanced its flavor. Likewise, Christians are called to be a preserving force in a decaying world and to bring the distinct flavor of God’s truth and grace wherever they go. However, Jesus warns that if salt loses its taste, “it is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.” The Greek phrase used here, which can also mean “becomes foolish,” suggests that a disciple who doesn’t live out their calling has lost their purpose.

This warning is a call to faithful Christian living. The placement of these verses immediately after the Beatitudes is significant. Jesus has just described the character of those who belong to his Kingdom – those who are humble, merciful, pure in heart, and hungry for righteousness. It’s precisely because of this transformed character that believers become salt and light. When we live out the qualities of the Beatitudes, we naturally influence the world for Christ, reflecting his grace and truth in a way that preserves, enhances, and illuminates the world around us. Just as salt that has lost its effectiveness is discarded, a disciple who fails to uphold the teachings of Christ and stand firm in righteousness ceases to influence the world for God’s Kingdom. This isn’t necessarily a loss of salvation but a failure to fulfill the mission to which we’re called. As John Stott wrote, “The church is set in the world to hinder its corruption, but when Christians are indistinguishable from non-Christians, they become useless.”

A City on a Hill

Jesus follows his teaching on salt with another powerful metaphor: “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14). Light is meant to shine and illuminate the darkness. This echoes Isaiah 49:6, where God calls his servant to be “a light for the nations.” In the same way, believers, filled with the light of Christ, are called to shine his truth in a dark and broken world.

Jesus speaks of a “city on a hill” – a powerful image suggesting visibility and influence. Just as a city elevated on a hilltop is seen from miles away, so should the collective witness of the church be a beacon of hope, truth, and righteousness. This isn’t a call to self-promotion but to a natural and undeniable testimony of God’s grace at work in our lives. In contrast to the warning in Matthew 6:1 against ostentatious displays of piety, this passage encourages a life so transformed by Christ that its impact is unmistakable.

Letting Your Light Shine

“Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house” (Matthew 5:15). The imagery of a lamp reminds us that light is meant to be seen. In a typical first-century Jewish home, a small oil lamp was placed on a stand to maximize its illumination. Jesus is teaching that believers must not hide their faith but live in a way that reflects God’s truth openly.

Jesus concludes with an imperative: “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). This verse emphasizes that our actions should point others to God, not ourselves. True Christian living is not about drawing attention to personal righteousness but about magnifying the glory of God through lives of integrity, compassion, and love. Our good works serve as a testimony that directs others to the ultimate source of light – Jesus Christ.

Key Principles

1. Just as salt prevents decay and enhances flavor, Christians must stand for righteousness and bring the truth of Christ into every sphere of life (Matthew 5:13).
2. The church, as a city on a hill, is meant to stand out and shine the light of Christ to a world in darkness (Matthew 5:14-15).
3. When believers live faithfully, their actions direct others to worship and glorify God, fulfilling their ultimate purpose (Matthew 5:16).

Bible Study Questions

1. What does it mean to be “the salt of the earth” in practical terms? (Matthew 5:13)
2. How does the metaphor of salt relate to both preserving and enhancing the world around us?
3. In what ways might a Christian lose their “saltiness,” and how can this be prevented?
4. Why does Jesus call his followers “the light of the world” instead of saying they “should be” light? (See Matthew 5:1-12 for help.)
5. How does the image of a “city on a hill” shape our understanding of Christian influence?
6. What are some ways that believers might “hide their light,” and how can we be more intentional about letting it shine? (Matthew 5:15)
7. How does Matthew 5:16 differentiate between boasting in good works and glorifying God through them?
8. How do the principles of salt and light apply to evangelism and discipleship?
9. In what ways do your daily actions reflect the light of Christ to those around you?
10. How can the church collectively function as a city on a hill in today’s society?

Questions for Discussion and Personal Reflection

1. Are there areas in your life where you feel you’re not being “salt” or “light?” How can you grow in these areas?
2. What challenges do you face in openly living out your faith, and how can you overcome them?
3. What specific actions can you take this week to let your light shine before others?
4. How does your conduct in the workplace, home, or community reflect Christ’s influence?
5. In what ways can you be more intentional about sharing your faith with others?
6. What “baskets” might be covering your light, preventing you from being an effective witness?
7. How can you encourage fellow believers to be bold in their faith?
8. What role does prayer play in maintaining your influence as salt and light?
9. How does understanding your identity as salt and light affect your daily decisions?
10. How can the church better function as a visible “city on a hill” to impact the culture?

Action Steps

1. Reflect on whether your words and actions are preserving God’s truth and enhancing the lives of those around you. Make adjustments where needed.
2. Find one way this week to share your faith, whether through a conversation, an act of kindness, or a commitment to stand for righteousness.
3. Ask God to make you a stronger witness, giving you courage to shine brightly and wisdom to season conversations with grace.

Thank you for joining me today. My hope is that you were encouraged and blessed by reflecting on this passage. You can discover more devotionals, Bible studies, and other resources by clicking here: Walking Points. If you found this study helpful, please consider sharing it with others and encouraging them to subscribe as well.