Salt of the Earth–Light of the World

You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt becomes flavorless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket–they put it on the lamp stand so that it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others so that they can see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:13-16

Jesus begins the Sermon on the Mount with a dynamic list that describes his life and the life of his apprentices, and it doesn’t take long for the reader/listener to realize that Jesus is describing a life of activity and engagement. He mentions characteristics like showing mercy and being a peacemaker that are a call to participate in life in positive ways– showing compassion to the hurting, opposing injustice, confronting prejudice, standing for righteousness, seeking reconciliation between people in conflict with God or one another–this is how Jesus lived and how he wants his followers to live, but he says there will be a cost: persecution. Jesus then uses two familiar images to illustrate the impact his apprentices will have on the world around them: they will be salt and light.

Why does Jesus predict misery for rich people?

But woe to you who are rich, for you are receiving your comfort in full. Woe to you who are well-fed now, for you will hunger. Woe to you who are laughing now, for you will mourn and weep. Woe to you when all people speak well of you, for that is how their ancestors treated the false prophets.
Luke 6:24–26

What sorrow awaits you who are rich, for you have your only happiness now. What sorrow awaits you who are fat and prosperous now, for a time of awful hunger awaits you. What sorrow awaits you who laugh now, for your laughing will turn to mourning and sorrow. What sorrow awaits you who are praised by the crowds, for their ancestors also praised false prophets.
Luke 6:24-26 (NLT)

Jesus opens the Sermon on the Mount by teaching his followers that what is commonly accepted as “the way things are” is not, in fact, the way things are. He offers a series of memorable sayings that redefine wealth and poverty, and he points to a day when a great reversal in fortune will occur–a day when the poor, persecuted, and marginalized will be lifted up, and the powerful, popular, and self-sufficient will be brought down.

Why does Jesus bless peacemakers?

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
Matthew 5:9

The boots of the warrior and the uniforms bloodstained by war will all be burned. They will be fuel for the fire, for a child is born to us–a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called… Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:5-6

For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
Colossians 1:19-20

A popular internet statistic says there have been 268 years of world peace in the past 4,000 years, but I doubt that number. The history I’ve read is a continuous tale of wars and brutality. And the spirit that prompts war between nations is the same spirit that creates enmity between neighbors and schoolmates and coworkers. It even infiltrates the bedroom.

We live in a world that is filled with angry and hurting people, and peacemakers are desperately needed.