INTRODUCTION

Jesus Teaches That We Are to Be Salt and Light

Bible Point:

Help others see Jesus.

Key Verse:

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

Big Picture:

Make decisions to become spiritual “salt” and “light” in order to show Jesus to others.

Jesus Teaches That We Are to Be Salt and Light

Matthew 5:13-16

At this stage, you probably care a lot about who you are and what you stand for. You are figuring out what you believe and how those beliefs shape the way you live. You want your actions to match your values and to make a difference in the world around you. In this study, you will learn what it means to be salt and light. These words describe how your life can bring out the best in others and shine with goodness and hope. You have an incredible opportunity to live out your faith in real and meaningful ways, showing what it looks like to follow Jesus every day.

TRY THIS

Gather as a family. Go around the room, each telling one story, either about how you’ve been salt or light to someone or about how someone has been salt or light to you. Discuss the differences in you because of the actions of being salt and light.

DAILY CHALLENGE

• SET a goal of encouraging a certain number of people this week. At the end of the week, reflect on how these encouragements showed the light of Jesus to those you shared with.

• HAVE you hurt someone else? Meet 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.

• IS there someone you know who really needs to know Jesus and is ready to listen? Spend some time being salt to that person this week. Explain how Jesus has made a difference in your life and how Jesus can make a difference in that person’s life, too. Ask if you can pray with them.