Salt of the Earth, Light of the World

This is the English-translated outline of the sermon preached by Rev. Musubi Tabuchi to the congregations of Ashiya Christian Church and Unfinished Community on Sunday, February 8, 2026, drawing from Matthew 5:13-20

Those who have long been familiar with the Gospels and the words of Jesus will surely know the phrase “the salt of the earth, the light of the world.” Salt, even in small amounts, is necessary to prevent decay and helps to preserve things for a long time. Likewise, those who believe in Jesus bear the responsibility of preventing the decay of society. And when it comes to the light of the world, it is often said that the actions of Christians serve as a model for the world, brightening society. But can the actions of those who believe in Jesus truly fulfill the teachings of the Old Testament; not just the words, but every single stroke of the written text? Can we be confident we meet the standard demanded of us, that we must be more than the self-righteous Scribes and Pharisees of Jesus' time who boasted, “I have fulfilled the Law”?

When it comes to these words of Jesus, I wonder if perhaps we have a significant misunderstanding. Is it truly the case that we are, immutably, the salt of the earth and the light of the world? What he seems to be saying here when he talks about what happens “if salt loses its saltiness,” seems to suggest that the effectiveness of salt could, perhaps easily, be lost over time. And when it comes to shining our light, our light is likened to a candle on a candlestick; not something absolute or powerful that can never fade, no matter the circumstances. It is something utterly powerless if it happens to be lost or obstructed.

In truth, what has been given to us is only a very small thing; we might even forget that it has been given to us at all. That is precisely why it is important that we cherish and guard it carefully, always remaining aware of the preciousness of this very small thing we have been given. It is through our efforts to protect this small thing that the true effects of salt and light are expressed in the world around us. Knowing the value of what God has given us— these things that feel so small to us—and recognizing that our neighbors have been given equally precious things, this is the basis of the mutual awareness and respect which is the most concrete form of loving our neighbor. Through this, each of us acknowledges the importance of each other's existence, and these small lights gather together to brighten our whole society.

Let us pray.

God, we have lost sight of how to live in ways that respect and love one another, failed to notice and appreciate the profoundly important things You have given us. Grant us days lived alongside our neighbors, in partnership and love, embracing the deep meaning of truly being the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Make us a people who firmly receive and live by the love of Jesus.

We pray this in Your name,

Amen.