Matthew 5:14
Verse
Context
Salt and Light
13You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its savor, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. 14You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Ye are the light of the world--This being the distinctive title which our Lord appropriates to Himself (Joh 8:12; Joh 9:5; and see Joh 1:4, Joh 1:9; Joh 3:19; Joh 12:35-36) --a title expressly said to be unsuitable even to the highest of all the prophets (Joh 1:8) --it must be applied here by our Lord to His disciples only as they shine with His light upon the world, in virtue of His Spirit dwelling in them, and the same mind being in them which was also in Christ Jesus. Nor are Christians anywhere else so called. Nay, as if to avoid the august title which the Master has appropriated to Himself, Christians are said to "shine"--not as "lights," as our translators render it, but--"as luminaries in the world" (Phi 2:15); and the Baptist is said to have been "the burning and shining"--not "light," as in our translation, but "lamp" of his day (Joh 5:35). Let it be observed, too, that while the two figures of salt and sunlight both express the same function of Christians--their blessed influence on their fellow men--they each set this forth under a different aspect. Salt operates internally, in the mass with which it comes in contact; the sunlight operates externally, irradiating all that it reaches. Hence Christians are warily styled "the salt of the earth"--with reference to the masses of mankind with whom they are expected to mix; but "the light of the world"--with reference to the vast and variegated surface which feels its fructifying and gladdening radiance. The same distinction is observable in the second pair of those seven parables which our Lord spoke from the Galilean Lake--that of the "mustard seed," which grew to be a great overshadowing tree, answering to the sunlight which invests the world, and that of the "leaven," which a woman took and, like the salt, hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened (Mat 13:31-33). A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid--nor can it be supposed to have been so built except to be seen by many eyes.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Ye are the light of the world,.... What the luminaries, the sun and moon, are in the heavens, with respect to corporal light, that the apostles were in the world with regard to spiritual light; carrying and spreading the light of the Gospel not only in Judea, but all over the world, which was in great darkness of ignorance and error; and through a divine blessing attending their ministry, many were turned from the darkness of Judaism and Gentilism, of sin and infidelity, to the marvellous light of divine grace. The Jews were wont to say, that of the Israelites in general, and particularly of their sanhedrim, and of their learned doctors, what Christ more truly applies here to his apostles; they observe (l), that "on the fourth day it was said, "let there be light": which was done with respect to the Israelites, because they are they , "which give light to the world", as it is written, Dan 12:3' And in another place (m), say they, "how beautiful are the great ones of the congregation, and the wise men, who sit in the sanhedrim! for they are they , "that enlighten the world", the people of the house of Israel.'' So. R. Meir, R. Akiba his disciple, and R. Judah the prince, are each of them called (n) , "the light of the world"; as R. Jochanan ben Zaccai is by his disciples, , "the lamp of the world" (o): and it was usual for the head of a school, or of an university to be styled (p) , "the light of the world"; but this title much better agrees and suits with the persons Christ gives it to, who, no question, had a view to those exalted characters the Jews gave to their celebrated Rabbins. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid; alluding either to Nazareth, where he was educated, and had lately preached, which was built on an hill, from the brow of which the inhabitants sought to have cast him headlong, Luk 4:29 or to Capernaum, which, on account of its height, is said to be exalted unto heaven, Mat 11:23 or to the city of Jerusalem, which was situated on a very considerable eminence. The land of Israel, the Jews say (q), was higher than all other lands; and the temple at Jerusalem was higher than any other part of the land of Israel. And as a city cannot be hid which is built on a high place, so neither could, nor ought the doctrines which the apostles were commissioned to preach, be hid, or concealed from men: they were not to shun to declare the whole counsel of God, nor study to avoid the reproaches and persecutions of men; for they were to be "made a spectacle"; to be set as in a public theatre, to be seen by "the world, angels, and men". (l) Tzeror Hammor, fol. 1. 3. (m) Targum in Cant. iv. 1. (n) Juchasin, fol. 63. 2. (o) Abot R. Nathan, c. 25. fol. 6. 3. (p) Juchasin. fol. 121. 1. (q) T. Bab. Kiddushin, fol. 69. 1. Sanhedrim, fol. 87. 1. Zebachim, fol. 54. 2.
Matthew 5:14
Salt and Light
13You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its savor, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. 14You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Sermon Preparation) Lecture 01
By Alan Redpath8.1K42:47Sermon PreparationMAT 5:14MAT 6:33JHN 8:121CO 11:23PHP 2:15In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of remembering that the gospel of Christ is primarily addressed to individuals and its ultimate goal is the salvation of multitudes. The church has various agencies to help lead people to Christ, but its primary purpose is to nurture the individual. The preacher warns against forgetting this and reproducing the same mistake in oneself. The sermon also touches on the importance of personal transformation and being a light in the world, as well as the significance of being trained for the job of preaching and reflecting the glory of God into the darkness of the world.
The Love of Christ
By Corrie Ten Boom6.3K57:25LoveMAT 5:14In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of every Christian being a light in the world and sharing the message of salvation. He shares a personal story about a man named Pete who came to prison and had only one week to live. The speaker reflects on the significance of sharing the gospel and compares it to his previous job of selling watches. He then talks about the difficult times in Holland during World War II and how they worked to save Jewish people. The speaker concludes by encouraging believers to have courage and trust in Jesus, reminding them of the victory and eternal life that comes through him.
The Kingdom of God - Part 1
By B.H. Clendennen4.8K09:45MAT 5:14MAT 6:10MAT 12:28JHN 3:3JHN 18:361CO 4:202CO 5:17EPH 2:8COL 1:13This sermon emphasizes the importance of being born again to truly experience the kingdom of God. It highlights the need for a genuine transformation where Christ is birthed in individuals, leading to a desire to be in God's presence and a deep understanding of the fall and redemption. The message stresses that Christianity is not about religious rituals but about having a personal relationship with Christ and living in His kingdom of light and power.
A Portrait No Artist Can Paint
By C.H. Spurgeon4.8K40:35MAT 5:14JHN 3:19REV 1:16The sermon transcript discusses the description of Jesus Christ as seen by John in the isle of Patmos. It emphasizes the impossibility of capturing the glory of Christ's face through any form of art. The sermon highlights the detestable nature of worshiping images of Christ, as it goes against the divine purpose. It also emphasizes the power of Christ's words, likening them to a sharp two-edged sword that can penetrate the hearts and minds of individuals. The sermon concludes by mentioning that Christ's presence brings purification and separation, separating the chaff from the wheat.
Be My Witnesses (Compilation)
By Compilations4.8K09:42CompilationPSA 37:4MAT 5:14MRK 11:23ROM 12:211CO 16:14EPH 5:161TI 5:8In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of making a difference in the world and not living a self-consumed life. They urge listeners to not let the sun go down without touching someone's soul or bringing the love of God into someone's life. The speaker shares their personal experience of someone coming into their life with the sole objective of leading them to God, and encourages listeners to do the same for others. They emphasize that every believer has a calling from God to break the strongholds of sin and darkness and bring others into the freedom of Jesus Christ.
The Ministry of the Night
By A.W. Tozer4.6K29:09MinistryPSA 30:5PSA 51:10MAT 5:14JHN 1:9ACT 9:32CO 4:17In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of conversion and describes it as a call from God to move from darkness and wickedness into light and holiness. He emphasizes that this call is constant and ongoing. The preacher also highlights the transformative power of conversion, stating that it brings about honesty, purity, love, charity, and truth. He urges Christians to remember the significance of their own conversion experiences and to continually refresh their souls. The sermon draws parallels between the light of God and the knowledge, perception, and guidance that it brings to believers on their journey.
A Distinct Culture
By B.H. Clendennen4.3K1:08:30Kingdom Of GodMAT 5:14In this sermon, the preacher shares his experience in boot camp and how it relates to the Christian walk. He emphasizes the importance of obedience and submission to God's Word, stating that those who do not obey and walk with God have no place in His kingdom. The preacher also highlights the trials and tests that believers face, explaining that these challenges are meant to eliminate the undesirable and refine their faith. He encourages listeners to learn and grow spiritually in this life, as there won't be any learning in the afterlife.
Garland, Texas - the Welsh Revival of 1904-05
By J. Edwin Orr4.0K22:54PSA 85:6JOL 2:28MAT 5:14ACT 2:17JAS 4:8This sermon delves into the remarkable Welsh Revival of 1904, focusing on the pivotal role of Evan Roberts and the powerful movement of God's Spirit that transformed lives and communities. It highlights the prayerful beginnings, the impact on individuals and society, and the lasting legacy of revival that extended beyond Wales to influence regions like the United States.
How Weird Do Christians Have to Be?
By Francis Chan4.0K44:26MAT 5:14This sermon emphasizes the importance of living a life that attracts others to God through genuine love, care, and relationships with those who may not believe. It challenges the audience to be a light in the world, engaging with people in a way that reflects Christ's love and compassion, rather than isolating themselves in a Christian bubble. The speaker shares personal experiences and reflections on the need to prioritize relationships and love for others, especially those who may have had negative encounters with Christians in the past.
(Exodus) Exodus 27:9-21
By J. Vernon McGee3.7K03:34ExodusEXO 27:20EXO 30:1EXO 30:18ZEC 4:6MAT 5:14REV 1:12In this sermon, the speaker discusses the significance of light in the Bible and its connection to Christ. The speaker explains that while Jesus was on earth, he referred to himself as the light of the world. However, now that Jesus has ascended to heaven, believers are called to be the light of the world, with the help of the Holy Spirit. The sermon also explores the symbolism of the gate of the court in the tabernacle, which represents the entrance to God's presence and is adorned with colors that represent Christ's heavenly origin, his humanity, and his shed blood. The sermon concludes by emphasizing the importance of the Holy Spirit, represented by the oil for the light, in enabling believers to shine as lights in the world.
Confronting the Homosexual Agenda
By Michael L. Brown3.7K1:10:02HomosexualityMAT 5:10MAT 5:14MAT 5:16MAT 5:20EPH 5:8In this sermon, the speaker discusses the spiritual state of young people in America, as revealed by a survey conducted by George Barna. The survey found that many young people have a moral standard of "whatever" and lack strong convictions. The speaker emphasizes the need for the church to engage in holy conflict with the world and live as children of light. They also address the opposition faced by those who speak against the homosexual agenda, being labeled as hate-filled bigots. The sermon concludes with an invitation to attend a conference focused on taking back cities for God.
Occupy Till I Come
By Alan Redpath3.3K53:55Second ComingJDG 7:7MAT 5:14MAT 28:19MRK 16:15REV 1:5In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Gideon from the Bible and how God used him despite his ordinary status. The speaker emphasizes that it is not our own strategies but God's strategy that brings extraordinary results. The sermon also highlights the importance of being in the spirit and having a revelation from God. The speaker concludes by emphasizing the church's responsibility to occupy and preach the gospel until Jesus returns.
Freedom Cd - Track 2 (Compilation)
By Compilations3.1K08:08CompilationMAT 5:3MAT 5:14MAT 5:48MAT 6:19ROM 6:23In this sermon, the speaker shares their personal journey of transformation through their faith in Jesus Christ. They confess to being involved in sinful activities such as watching soap operas and reading romance novels, which led them astray. However, they express gratitude for Jesus' forgiveness and cleansing, and declare their willingness to live and die for Him. The speaker emphasizes the importance of storing up treasures in heaven rather than on earth, and warns against serving two masters. They also highlight the blessings that come from being insulted and persecuted for the sake of Jesus. The sermon concludes with testimonies of how the speaker's life has been changed, including giving up drinking, cursing, and involvement in witchcraft and gang activities. They attribute their transformation to the power of Jesus and express a desire to serve Him forever. The speaker also references the Beatitudes from the Bible, highlighting the blessings that come from being poor in spirit, mourning, meek, hungering and thirsting for righteousness, being merciful, pure in heart, and peacemakers.
Charlotte Seminar 5-26-00 Am
By George Warnock2.6K1:19:20SeminarPRO 29:18MAT 5:14In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the harvest and the end result of God's work. He compares the time of soaring, which is good, to the harvest, which is even better. The preacher highlights that God is the gardener and He is waiting for the precious fruit of the earth. The sermon also emphasizes the need for rain, symbolizing God's blessings and truth, in order for God to have fruit in the end. The preacher concludes by discussing the example of Jesus as a bondslayer who learned obedience and encourages the audience to strive for intense light and obedience to God's will.
The Invisible Cloud of Witnesses
By Art Katz2.6K31:07Cloud of WitnessesMAT 5:14MAT 22:37ACT 1:8ROM 11:17ROM 11:25EPH 2:12HEB 12:1In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the state of the world in the 20th century, expressing deep pessimism about mankind's ability to solve its problems. He emphasizes the need for the recognition of God as the only hope for humanity. The speaker also shares theological reflections on the concept of the invisible cloud of witnesses, drawing inspiration from theologian Karl Barth. He recounts a powerful experience at a conference where miracles were happening, including the healing of a young girl with paralyzed legs. The speaker concludes by highlighting the continued impact of those who have come before us, suggesting that their departure only marks the beginning of their influence on future generations.
Youth Aflame
By Winkie Pratney2.4K57:40JON 3:4MAT 5:14JHN 8:12ACT 1:8In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about a movie he watched where a man had to make a life-or-death decision to ride a rocket into space. He relates this to the idea that God may call some people to go to "the regions beyond" without any guarantee of return. The speaker then mentions a childhood experience where he had to defend himself against a bully using a lunchbox. He goes on to talk about two young men in history, George Whitfield and John Wesley, who were both called by God and had significant impacts through their preaching. The speaker concludes by sharing how he personally experienced a transformation in his own life and married a woman who inspired him to live for Jesus Christ.
Dealing With Spiritual Pride
By Bill McLeod2.4K53:56PrideMAT 5:14In this sermon, the preacher reflects on Isaiah 40 and 2 Corinthians 5 to emphasize the condescension, grace, love, and mercy of God. He uses the analogy of a drop of water in a bucket to illustrate how insignificant all the nations of the world are before God. The preacher highlights the transient nature of worldly possessions and reminds the audience that when we die, we leave everything behind. He also shares a story about a professor who realizes the limited extent of his knowledge compared to the vastness of the unknown. Ultimately, the preacher emphasizes the humbling reality that the earth is like an ant hill to God, and we should not be proud of our accomplishments or possessions.
Cranbrook 1993 10-3-93 Am
By George Warnock2.3K1:09:53SeminarGEN 1:1MAT 5:14MAT 22:37MAT 28:19JHN 8:12JHN 14:6REV 1:12In this sermon, the speaker expresses deep concern for the horrors happening in the world, particularly the kidnapping of children for prostitution. They passionately pray for the gospel of the kingdom to be spread, opening the eyes of people and setting prisoners free. The speaker emphasizes the importance of the living word of God and the need for balance between the written word and the revelation of the Holy Spirit. They encourage the congregation to feast on the word of God and honor the Bible, while also recognizing the role of believers as the light of the world in union with Jesus.
A Light to Others
By Zac Poonen2.0K1:06:15ExampleMAT 5:14MAT 6:33MAT 13:57LUK 15:20JHN 1:18ACT 1:82TI 4:5In this video, the speaker emphasizes the importance of sharing the truth of God's word with others. They encourage young people to take on the responsibility of being a light to those around them, whether through preaching, writing letters, or engaging in short conversations. The speaker highlights the purpose of light, stating that just as the sun and moon were created to give light to the earth, believers are called to shine their light and share the love of God with those who are spiritually lost. They urge listeners to not wait until they are perfect, but to start serving God and reaching out to others, trusting that God will expand their influence and use them to bring rivers of living water to those in need.
High Up in the Swiss Alps
By Basilea Schlink2.0K01:01PSA 27:1PSA 34:18MAT 5:14JHN 1:5JHN 8:12This sermon draws a parallel between the cold, sunless, empty ice grotto in the Swiss Alps and our hearts, highlighting the need for Jesus, the little Christ child, to fill our emptiness with love and worship. It emphasizes that Jesus is like a constant sun that can illuminate even the darkest places in our hearts, bringing joy and comfort in times of sadness.
Christ Is All - in Scripture
By Bill McLeod1.6K46:28Fulness Of ChristPSA 2:10PSA 40:7PSA 41:9MAT 1:21MAT 28:19MRK 14:62COL 3:11TIT 3:7PHM 1:1In this sermon, the speaker begins by referencing Mark 16 and Luke 1 from the Bible. He highlights how Jesus reproached his disciples for their lack of belief in his resurrection and then commanded them to preach the gospel to the world. The speaker also mentions that some versions of the Bible omit miracles and end with Jesus' death on the cross, portraying him as a good man and advocate of peace. However, the speaker emphasizes that the Bible is truly all about Jesus and explores the significance of his ministry and his role as the Son of God.
The Impact One Life Can Have, Part Two
By K.P. Yohannan1.6K25:59BenevolenceISA 59:16JER 9:1MAT 5:14MAT 10:37MAT 16:24MAT 22:37LUK 9:23In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for believers to break free from the sins and distractions that hinder their relationship with God. He challenges the audience to consider how long they will continue to indulge in sinful habits before saying no to them. The speaker also highlights the importance of being aware of global issues and having a compassionate heart towards those who are suffering. He shares a powerful story of a young woman in a hostile community who faced persecution for her faith but remained committed to Jesus. The speaker concludes by emphasizing the impact of a devoted prayer life and the influence of a mother's faith on her children.
A Man to Match the Mountains
By David Roper1.5K30:49JOS 14:6MAT 5:14MAT 6:33ROM 12:122CO 5:17HEB 2:14In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a man who was trying to reach out to a group of unresponsive young people. He realized that while they may not come to the light, they might come to the warmth, so he started a fire on the beach and people began to gather around it. Through this act of kindness, many of those kids found the Lord. The speaker then discusses the story of Joshua and Caleb from the Bible, emphasizing their faith and determination to receive the best from God. He encourages the audience to have a similar attitude and trust in God for victory over their struggles.
Being a Witness by Obedience
By Zac Poonen1.5K58:241SA 15:22MAT 5:14JHN 14:15ACT 1:8ROM 8:28EPH 3:101TH 5:181JN 2:17This sermon emphasizes the importance of being true witnesses for Christ by doing God's will in every aspect of our lives. It highlights the significance of giving thanks in all situations, obeying God's commands, and living a life that reflects Christ's character. The speaker challenges listeners to be radical disciples who prioritize obedience to God over personal desires and worldly influences.
K-466 Agenda for Biblical People
By Art Katz1.5K1:22:06BiblicalMAT 5:14MAT 6:33ACT 4:29ROM 12:21CO 2:9JAS 1:271PE 2:11In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of Christians being representatives of another kingdom. He describes the Bible's view of change as primarily coming through the presence of God's people in history, demonstrating what human life can be in the love and power of Christ. The speaker shares a powerful statement from Paul about the gospel's purpose being to teach men how to live, and highlights the role of gospel people in teaching the world to live according to God's values. The speaker challenges the congregation to examine their lives and submit them to God's light, seeking to establish a distinct lifestyle that originates from heaven.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Ye are the light of the world--This being the distinctive title which our Lord appropriates to Himself (Joh 8:12; Joh 9:5; and see Joh 1:4, Joh 1:9; Joh 3:19; Joh 12:35-36) --a title expressly said to be unsuitable even to the highest of all the prophets (Joh 1:8) --it must be applied here by our Lord to His disciples only as they shine with His light upon the world, in virtue of His Spirit dwelling in them, and the same mind being in them which was also in Christ Jesus. Nor are Christians anywhere else so called. Nay, as if to avoid the august title which the Master has appropriated to Himself, Christians are said to "shine"--not as "lights," as our translators render it, but--"as luminaries in the world" (Phi 2:15); and the Baptist is said to have been "the burning and shining"--not "light," as in our translation, but "lamp" of his day (Joh 5:35). Let it be observed, too, that while the two figures of salt and sunlight both express the same function of Christians--their blessed influence on their fellow men--they each set this forth under a different aspect. Salt operates internally, in the mass with which it comes in contact; the sunlight operates externally, irradiating all that it reaches. Hence Christians are warily styled "the salt of the earth"--with reference to the masses of mankind with whom they are expected to mix; but "the light of the world"--with reference to the vast and variegated surface which feels its fructifying and gladdening radiance. The same distinction is observable in the second pair of those seven parables which our Lord spoke from the Galilean Lake--that of the "mustard seed," which grew to be a great overshadowing tree, answering to the sunlight which invests the world, and that of the "leaven," which a woman took and, like the salt, hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened (Mat 13:31-33). A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid--nor can it be supposed to have been so built except to be seen by many eyes.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Ye are the light of the world,.... What the luminaries, the sun and moon, are in the heavens, with respect to corporal light, that the apostles were in the world with regard to spiritual light; carrying and spreading the light of the Gospel not only in Judea, but all over the world, which was in great darkness of ignorance and error; and through a divine blessing attending their ministry, many were turned from the darkness of Judaism and Gentilism, of sin and infidelity, to the marvellous light of divine grace. The Jews were wont to say, that of the Israelites in general, and particularly of their sanhedrim, and of their learned doctors, what Christ more truly applies here to his apostles; they observe (l), that "on the fourth day it was said, "let there be light": which was done with respect to the Israelites, because they are they , "which give light to the world", as it is written, Dan 12:3' And in another place (m), say they, "how beautiful are the great ones of the congregation, and the wise men, who sit in the sanhedrim! for they are they , "that enlighten the world", the people of the house of Israel.'' So. R. Meir, R. Akiba his disciple, and R. Judah the prince, are each of them called (n) , "the light of the world"; as R. Jochanan ben Zaccai is by his disciples, , "the lamp of the world" (o): and it was usual for the head of a school, or of an university to be styled (p) , "the light of the world"; but this title much better agrees and suits with the persons Christ gives it to, who, no question, had a view to those exalted characters the Jews gave to their celebrated Rabbins. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid; alluding either to Nazareth, where he was educated, and had lately preached, which was built on an hill, from the brow of which the inhabitants sought to have cast him headlong, Luk 4:29 or to Capernaum, which, on account of its height, is said to be exalted unto heaven, Mat 11:23 or to the city of Jerusalem, which was situated on a very considerable eminence. The land of Israel, the Jews say (q), was higher than all other lands; and the temple at Jerusalem was higher than any other part of the land of Israel. And as a city cannot be hid which is built on a high place, so neither could, nor ought the doctrines which the apostles were commissioned to preach, be hid, or concealed from men: they were not to shun to declare the whole counsel of God, nor study to avoid the reproaches and persecutions of men; for they were to be "made a spectacle"; to be set as in a public theatre, to be seen by "the world, angels, and men". (l) Tzeror Hammor, fol. 1. 3. (m) Targum in Cant. iv. 1. (n) Juchasin, fol. 63. 2. (o) Abot R. Nathan, c. 25. fol. 6. 3. (p) Juchasin. fol. 121. 1. (q) T. Bab. Kiddushin, fol. 69. 1. Sanhedrim, fol. 87. 1. Zebachim, fol. 54. 2.