Jesus calls the disciples “the salt of the earth”, a metaphor for their function in the world. In those days, the Jewish people believed that salt had three uses: to season food, as a preservative, and as the key ingredient for the incense that burned at the altar.
Salt brings out the flavour of food. Jesus is telling the disciples
that as “the salt of the earth”, their godly lives will bring out the good in others and encourage them to “taste and see that the Lord is good” (Psalm 34:8).
In Jesus’ time, there were no fridges and freezers like we have today. Salt was used to preserve food and prevent spoilage. Jesus is telling the disciples that as “the salt of the earth”, their godly lives will preserve the goodness in others.
Incense was, and still is, perfume burned in churches and holy places. We are told in Exodus that the aroma was to be “salted, pure, and holy” (Exodus 30:34-35). The incense is a symbol of prayers rising to heaven. It is also burned to purify and sanctify holy objects. Jesus tells the disciples that, as “the salt of the earth,” their faithful lives will become the “fragrance of Christ to God” among both those being saved and those dying; they will signify
all that is holy and pleasing to God.
How can I be “the salt of the earth” in my community and family?
How can I bring out God’s goodness in others?
How can I become the “fragrance of Christ to God”?
