I am a Jesus pusher!!! Jesus states the imagery of “salt” and “light.” Many Bible scholars make a strong comparison between these two. Salt is negative; light is positive. Salt works in a hidden way; light opens and reveals. While these factors are true, there is no indication in the passage Jesus intended this emphasis. We must note that only one verse deals with salt, while three verses explain light’s influence, possibly due to the imageries’ focus. “Salt” is focused on “the earth.” “Light” is focused on “the world.” In previous studies, we discovered “the earth” (ho eg) is really “the land,” relating to the third beatitude (Matthew 5:5). How we relate to physical circumstances is determined by our involvement in Jesus, forming the Kingdom of God. “Light” is focused on “the world,” which is the Greek word “kosmos,” making a more direct reference to the people of the world.
The idea of “visibility” permeates the imagery of “light.” This visibility appears to have two aspects throughout these verses. Light makes things visible. Others will see the flow of Jesus’ resource within and through (Matthew 5:16). The purpose is that we demonstrate the link between Jesus and us. When Jesus sources a helpless person with His resource, those who witness it will “glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). They will recognize the cooperation between God and man, which consistently took place in the Book of Acts. God demonstrates Himself through believers. The world asks how this demonstration happens, allowing the Holy Spirit to minister in sermon or testimony through a key person. They were Jesus pushers!!!