“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. Matthew 5:14
For the past five weeks in our Bible study together, we have studied the story of Nehemiah, a prophet who was given a divine burden from God: to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Perhaps as we have been studying Nehemiah’s story together, you have been wondering how your one life can make such a difference. If you have had this thought, you are not alone. Many of us wonder how we can truly make an impact for Christ with our short lives. If you have wondered about the impact your one life can have, be encouraged! As we learned during the weekend message, small things can make a big impact!
Jesus reminded His followers that their lives had a significant impact during His ministry on earth. As He taught during one of His most famous sermons ever recorded in Matthew 5, He told the listening crowd, "You are the salt of the earth" (verse 13). Now, salt is an insignificant mineral. In fact, each grain of salt is so small that it is very difficult even to see. Although small, salt is full of flavor. It does not take much salt to have a profound, flavorful impact on any dish. Next, Jesus continued His teaching saying, "But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor" (verse 13). In this teaching, Jesus reminded the listening crowd (and us) to remember to be the salt of the world. We have to make an impact for Christ, making Him known and spreading His hope to everyone around us through our words and actions. To further illustrate His point, Jesus gave a new illustration. He said, "You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden” (verse 14). This world is filled with darkness and in need of the light of Christ. As Christ followers, we are called to be His light in this dark, dark world. The remarkable thing about light is that only a little bit of light can have a significant impact. Even the smallest amount of light can brighten a dark room. As He taught about light, Jesus said, "No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house” (verse 15). Again, Jesus is reminding us that if we want to live lives that make an impact, we have to actually go out and be the light of the world, spreading the light of Christ everywhere we go.
Jesus' teaching is clear from our Scripture reading today: our lives, even though they may seem small and insignificant to us, can have a great impact. The question is: will we go out and be the salt of the earth and the light of the world? We have to spread His message, hope, and light everywhere we go. Will you commit to being the light of the world and salt of the earth? Remember, your life can have a significant impact for Christ and His kingdom.
What does it look like for you today to live as "the salt of the earth" and "the light of the world?" Maybe for you, it means praying for someone in your life who is lost, taking a step of obedience God has been calling you to take, forgiving someone, or sharing your faith with someone who needs the hope of Christ. Whatever it looks like for you, take a step today to make an impact for Christ. No action is insignificant when it comes to making an impact for Christ.
Prayer Prompt: Use this prompt to guide you as you pray
“God, as I set out to make You known all around me, use me to…”
Matthew 5:1-20
1One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around him, 2 and he began to teach them.
3 “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. 4 God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth. 6 God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied. 7 God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8 God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. 9 God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. 10 God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
11 “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. 12 Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.
13 “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.
14 “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
17 “Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose. 18 I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God’s law will disappear until its purpose is achieved. 19 So if you ignore the least commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But anyone who obeys God’s laws and teaches them will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven.
20 “But I warn you—unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven!
©2026 Sagebrush Church
