INTRODUCTION

Jesus Teaches That We Are to Be Salt and Light

Bible Point:

Help others see and experience Jesus’ love.

Key Verse:

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

Big Picture:

Reflect Jesus’ love in your relationships.

Jesus Teaches That We Are to Be Salt and Light

Matthew 5:13-16

You are at an age where your faith is starting to become your own. You are thinking more deeply about what you believe and why it matters. You are also beginning to understand how following Jesus is not just about rules or routines. It is about living in a way that helps others see love in action. In this week’s study, you will learn what it means to be light and salt, two pictures that show how your words and actions can make a real difference. You already have the power to help others experience Jesus’ love through kindness, honesty, and courage. Your faith is growing stronger every day as you learn to live out what you believe.

PLANTING THE SEED

During Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, he told his followers to act as salt and light in the world. That might seem confusing until you think about the symbolism. Salt preserves, adds flavor, and purifies. Light helps us see in the darkness. Jesus was challenging his followers to show others His love through what they said and the way they lived. So in other words, we’re supposed to make this world a tastier, brighter place to live! (Matthew 5:13-16)

• Why do you think Jesus compares His followers to salt and light?

• What can you do to be salt and light for Jesus?

FAMILY FUN

Have family members work together to brainstorm common, everyday objects that might be used as symbols for sharing Christ with others. For example, someone might say, “I am a computer. I share a lot of information with others at great speed.”

READY, SET, GROW!

Help others see Jesus this week:

• Set a goal of encouraging a certain number of people this week. Reflect on how these encouragements shine the light of Jesus to those you share with.

• Have you hurt someone else? Sit down with that person and apologize for your actions, whether they were intentional or not. Let the light of Jesus show in your words and actions toward that person.

• Start each day by reciting your slogan. When you feel like doing something that might not help others see Jesus’ love, repeat it to yourself and do something different that will shine the light of Jesus.