Tuesday 01 February 2022

Psalm 69:1-21

Background

This week we are reading the Sermon on the Mount. This section uses imagery of salt and light to shape the way Jesus’ disciples see themselves. Salt is used in small amounts but makes a profound difference to the taste of food. The image of Jesus’ disciples as 'the salt of the earth' suggests that they make a big difference despite being few in number. But this observation is followed by a warning: if salt loses its saltiness, it is good for nothing. This provokes the question of what 'the saltiness' of discipleship consists of. One reference point might be the list of Beatitudes in the preceding verses.

The image of Jesus’ followers as 'the light of the world' echoes the theme of a small element that changes everything. Here the teaching is about ensuring that what one does is visible to others. Jesus’ disciples should think of themselves as a city built on a hill, which everyone can see. The next image is humorous: imagine someone turning on a lamp and then putting a big basket over it so that no one could tell it was on! What foolishness! Those seeking to learn from Jesus should make sure that they are not similarly foolish. They are meant to play a role in relation to the world about them. If they stay hidden, they are missing the point.

Christians in Britain are fewer in number than they used to be. Christians in the New Testament were part of a small movement that was tiny in relation to the wider society. Perhaps these images of salt and light are particularly helpful today as churches adjust to Christians being less numerous.

To Ponder:

• What do you think would be the most important signs that a church had lost its saltiness?
• Are you aware of any examples of Christians hiding lamps under bushel baskets?
• In what ways can followers of Jesus today ensure they are visible to the world about them?