Salt of the Earth

Recently I watched episode 8 of season 2 of The Chosen. *fangirls for a bit*

Ahem. Anyway, Jesus and Matthew were working on the Sermon on the Mount, and Matthew asked what “you are the salt of the earth” meant. Jesus made some comparisons of what salt does and what He wants His followers to do.

The next day I wanted to share that verse and some facts about salt with my friends and then was finding all these facts and comparisons, and, next thing I know, I know what I’m writing for a blog post. 😄

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#1

Salt enhances the flavor of food. It of course creates saltiness, which can be addicting desirable (think of pretzels, popcorn, chips, etc.). It also intensifies the sweetness and counteracts the bitterness in different foods.

Jesus wants His followers, the “salt of the earth,” to enhance and make better. He wants us to live in such a way that people crave what we have (which is a relationship with Him), that they want more. He wants us to intensify “sweetness” and counteract/prevent “bitterness,” both in ourselves and in others.

Salt also enhances the flavor of things.
I want My followers to renew the world and be part of its redemption.

Jesus, The Chosen, season 2, episode 8

#2

Salt is used as a preservative, keeping food from rotting/decaying (at least too fast).

… Many disease-causing microbes are also simply unable to grow in the presence of salt.

Bethany Moncel, “Six Functions of Salt in Food”

Salt preserves meat from corruption. It slows its decay. I want My followers to be a people who hold back the evil of the world.

Jesus, The Chosen, season 2, episode 8

As the salt of the earth, we should be holding back the evil of the world. Slowing the decay and corruption. Being present so that “disease” cannot grow and spread.

#3

Salt is an essential nutrient–or perhaps more accurately, the sodium in it is essential for survival.

… Sodium is needed to help relax and contract muscles, conduct nerve impulses, and sustain the proper balance of minerals and water in the body. Most table salts in the United States also have iodine added to them to prevent iodine deficiencies, which can cause disorders of the thyroid, including goiters.

Bethany Moncel, “Six Functions of Salt in Food”

We, as salt, contain “sodium” (Jesus) which is essential for survival. Because of Him, we can help relax, conduct, sustain, and prevent.

#4

Salt is a binder; it holds things together.

This comparison should be pretty easy to get. 😉

#5

Salt is used in many remedies to help heal. It’s used to treat skin problems such as eczema (by moisturizing, easing inflammation, etc.), heartburn, bites/stings, sore throats and sore feet/muscles, and more.

We, as salt, “moisturize”; we bring water (the Water) to others. We ease “inflammation” (anger, bitterness, etc.). We help treat “heartburn.” We relieve the “bites/stings” from the enemy, life, loved ones. . . We reduce “soreness,” bring comfort and peace and relaxation.

Salt can also be mixed with honey and rubbed on the skin for maladies.
I want My people to participate in the healing of the world, not its destruction.

Jesus, The Chosen, season 2, episode 8

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It makes so much more sense now! I knew about the enhancing flavors and the preserving and the essential nutrient and maybe the healing, but. . . But now it means so much more! I understand more why Jesus compared us to salt and what that means! I hope you understand too. 😊

Ye are the salt of the earth…

Matthew 5:13 (KJV)