Yes, for a moment, Jesus asks the crowds to stop and to look at this beautiful vision. He offers a scenic outlook to the inhabitants of this world.
Every once in a while, along the highway, you will see a sign that says, “Scenic Outlook.” The sign is necessary because otherwise people might just drive by without stopping. We have our plans, our schedules that need to be met. We have our phone conversations or podcasts in the car that distract us. We can continue driving and the world will pass us by... or, rather, we will pass by the world without even knowing it. So, occasionally, you will see a sign that says, “Scenic Outlook” and invites you to pull over and enjoy the view.
In my bible, the title for this section of the sermon on the mount is “Salt and Light” and “Christ Came to Fulfill the Law.” If I could change these, I would. I would put “Scenic Outlook” in the caption for this section instead.
Jesus has just been teaching and healing throughout Galilee. People have been coming out of Judea and Jerusalem and beyond the Jordan to see Him, and they have been bringing their sick with them. The crowds are filled with wonder at His working. Imagine being unable to walk or unable to see and, suddenly, Jesus grants you healing. It is as if you are starting life over again. Your future is filled with new possibilities.
At this point, Jesus gathers His followers on a mountain. As they wonder what their new life will be like, He offers them a scenic outlook, a grand vision. With these words, Jesus basically answers two questions for those who are following Him: “Who are we?” and “Who is Jesus?” Jesus unveils for these followers who they are (5:13-16) and He reveals who He is (5:17-20). They are the “salt of the earth” (5:13) and the “light of the world” (5:14). He is the one who fulfills God’s Law (5:17). He is the righteousness of God for them.
He is the righteousness of God for them.
As Jesus unveils who they are, what He shares is astonishing. Notice how Jesus describes them in their relationship to the world. Jesus casts His eyes to the farthest horizon, the yet uninhabited places of the world, and He says that these people, these followers, the ones who came out of Jerusalem and Judah and the surrounding area, they are salt for this world. They are light.
Salt has the power to preserve. After the rebellion of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, the earth itself was cursed. God cursed the ground so only with sweat and hard labor would it bear fruit. Life was changed. Brother fought against brother, sometimes to the death. Human relationships were fractured, and people were scattered across the world. But God offered His people a way to live. He filled their minds with a vision of how life was in the original creation, and He offered His people forgiveness for sin and hope for the future. Their lives would preserve a remnant of what God had originally desired. Their communities would be places of refuge for the weary, comfort for the suffering, and justice for the defenseless and poor. As Jesus looks at the people gathered on that mountain, He tells them how they, in following Him, will preserve a vision of life as God desired it in this world.
Not only will they preserve the earth until its recreation, but they will also light the way. Their actions toward one another, their words confessing their faith, these things will reveal the grace of God to the nations. All people will see their good works and be inspired to give glory to God in Heaven.
Yes, for a moment, Jesus asks the crowds to stop and to look at this beautiful vision. He offers a scenic outlook to the inhabitants of this world.
This vision, however, is not new. It is old. It has been foretold for ages. It has been crafted and shaped in the Law of God, shared with His people Israel. Jesus assured the people that He is not inviting them into a way of life that departs from God’s Law and promises. No, He is inviting them to share in the way of life which fulfills God’s Law and promises. He Himself is the fulfillment of all God has promised. The righteousness of God, the holiness God desires, the purity God seeks, these are all found in Him. He is the righteousness of God for all people. His righteousness is God’s gift to all people. His death covers all of our sins, and His life reveals all of God’s graciousness... for you.
I do not know where you are on your journey. Perhaps you are awaiting the birth of your first child. Perhaps you are walking away from the grave of your loved one. Perhaps you are starting college and wondering about what you want to do with your life. Wherever you are, it is easy to simply keep traveling down the highway. But today, Jesus invites you to pull over, stop, get out of the car, stretch your legs, and take a look at this beautiful view.
Your life is a small witness to the world of the life God desires for all people. Your Savior, Jesus, is the fulfillment of all of God’s promises for you. This is the world you live in, a world created and blessed by God.
Jesus knows we cannot stay on this mountain forever. But it is enough for today, enough for our journey, to stop and, for a moment, see what God has planned and given to you.
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Additional Resources:
Craft of Preaching-Check out 1517’s resources on Matthew 5:13-20.
Concordia Theology-Various helps from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO to assist you in preaching Matthew 5:13-20.
Lectionary Kick-Start-Check out this fantastic podcast from Craft of Preaching authors Peter Nafzger and David Schmitt as they dig into the texts for this Sunday!
The Pastor’s Workshop-Check out all the great preaching resources from our friends at the Pastor’s Workshop!
