I am a Jesus pusher!!! The salt imagery is strong in this opening statement concerning “influence” (Matthew 5:13). There are dozens of Bible commentaries we can read that highlight the various uses of salt in the Scriptures. Usually the elements of “purity,” “preservation,” and “flavor” are emphasized. These issues are proposed because they immediately come to mind with this imagery. However, is this what Jesus suggested with this statement? Although these issues may be true results of the use of salt, do they properly portray the passage?
“You are the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13). If we limit our discussion to the passage itself, our first consideration is that salt is identified as “of the earth.” In the Greek language the statement is “the earth” (ho ge). There is a definite article “the” connected to “earth,” in the genitive case showing relationship between “salt” and “earth.” The Greek word (ge) translated earth comes from the primary Greek word for “soil.” This presents a puzzle regarding the influence of salt. “Salt” does not do well with soil. All of the Jews were aware of the Dead Sea known as the “Salt Sea.” It was five times higher in salt content than our oceans. Nothing lived in this sea. Fish, vegetation, or shells could not survive. The shores of this sea were barren. Salt renders all soil lifeless. Why would Jesus connect “salt” with the soil? One idea is that “earth” (ge) refers to people. The salt imagery is focused on how we influence people! The nature of God is passionate about “others.” If we merge with Him, He will express His nature through us with this same passion. We are the demonstration of who is He to our “earth.” They will see the life of Jesus. I am a Jesus pusher!!!