These small group studies of Matthew 5:13-16 contain outlines, cross-references, Bible study discussion questions, verse by verse commentary, and applications. Visit our library of inductive Bible studies for more in depth inductive studies on this and other books of the Bible you can use in your small group.
Matthew 5:13-16 Inductive Bible Study – Discussion Questions and Verse by Verse Commentary
I. You are the salt of the earth.
What does this phrase mean? I have read a number of different thoughts on this. Here are some things we know about salt.
- It is essential for life. Salt or sodium chloride is the only mineral that is found in all cells of the human body. However, it seems unlikely that Jesus would use such a biological definition when his readers would not have been familiar with this.
- Salt was very valuable. At times it was used as a currency.
- Salt enhances the flavor of food. It influences whatever it touches.
- It preserves food as well.
So what is Jesus saying? He clearly says that salt which loses its flavor is worthless. Would anybody pay for salt that wasn’t salty? In a like manner, believers are to influence the world around them through their testimony for Christ. Their life and witness preserves the world and influence the world in a positive way like salt. But salt is different than other flavors. It has its own unique taste. We too must be different from the world. We must have a strong flavor/influence for the Lord. If so, then we will be very valuable like good salt. But if not, then we are useless (much like the passages that talk about a tree that does not bear good fruit.)
Bonus English vocabulary tip: The word for salary is actually derived from the word “salarium,” which is the word used to denote salt as a currency.
II. You are the light of the world.
Jesus used a common object to teach people this simple lesson. These days we also use lamps although now they are electric. Do you do this? Do you turn on a lamp and then cover it? Do you turn on a lamp and then put it into your wardrobe and shut the door? Of course not. Jesus asks again, “Is it not brought to be put on the lampstand?” The purpose of a lamp is to shine out. It is not only not hidden, but it is set on a stand so that its light can shine even more prominently. It is not reasonable or logical to cover it up.
So how does that apply to us as kingdom citizens?
We are light bearers who reflect the light of Christ.
John 8:12 – Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
Ephesians 5:8 – For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.
In these verses, we learn that Jesus is the light of the world. This was one of seven “I AM” statements Jesus made about Himself, showing us that being the light of the world is one of the key aspects of His nature.
Revelation 21:23 – And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb.
Here we see that in God’s eternal kingdom, there will not need to be a sun or a moon or lamps as light comes directly from Jesus, an everlasting reminder of Jesus’ innate goodness and holiness
Here we learn that we are actually light in the Lord. Just as God takes away our sin and puts His righteousness onto us, He takes away our darkness and puts His light into us. When we are saved, He lights the lamps of our hearts. Your life will not shine brighter throu