Matthew 5:13-16

Salt and Light

Jews - salt of the earth - give flavor, preserve God gave His Word to nation Israel, to be “sprinkled” on the other
nations of the earth - that they might be given flavor (come alive as
sons of God) and be preserved (eternal life in God’s kingdom).

If the salt loses its flavor Israel - did not believe the Word of God - failed to fulfill God’s
purpose for them to share the truth with the Gentiles

Thrown out Rejection of past generations of Israel (Heb 3:12-4:11)

Trampled underfoot by men History of Gentile dominion over Israel (Dan 2:36-43)

Jews - light of the world - illuminate Israel in possession of the Word of God, to enlighten other nations to
the truth

City set on a hill cannot be hidden God’s intention for Israel - to be the head nation; city of Jerusalem to
be the center of teaching the Word of God (Isa 2:1-3) - not currently
fulfilled; Israel the tail and not the head (Deut 28:43-45)

Lamp under a basket Individual Jews in possession of the Word; God did not purpose His
truth to be hidden under the darkness of religion (Mt 13:33)

Lamp on a lampstand - gives light to all who are in the house Lampstand = Messiah, light of Life (Ex 25:31-40). God purposed His
truth to be revealed; individual Jews who believe into Jesus, elevated
as sons of God, now fulfill God’s purpose - to give light to God’s
“household” (Mat 24:45); both Jews and Gentiles

Let your light so shine before men (that is, on the lampstand) Individual Jews who believe on Jesus can then give out the truth of
God to the world, and live that truth (good works) - witness

And glorify your Father in heaven Sons, doing their Father’s work, fulfilling His purpose for them