Salt of the Earth
06/09/09 04:24 Filed in: Faith
“. . .Ye are the salt of the earth. . .” (Matthew 5: 13-16)
When Christ likened His disciples to the salt of the earth, He compared them to a precious commodity. In fact, Roman soldiers earned part of their wages in salt. The Latin root for soldier is “sal dare,” which literally means, “to give salt,” and any soldier who distinguished himself in battle was said to be “worth his salt.” The Latin term for salt, “salarium,” is the origin of our term for wages, “salary.”
We don’t give much thought to the value of salt today because it is so readily available. But control of salt works throughout their empire gave the Romans power over life and death. Salt is an essential nutrient for all living creatures. We can’t live without it.
When Christ likened His disciples to the salt of the earth, He compared them to a precious commodity. In fact, Roman soldiers earned part of their wages in salt. The Latin root for soldier is “sal dare,” which literally means, “to give salt,” and any soldier who distinguished himself in battle was said to be “worth his salt.” The Latin term for salt, “salarium,” is the origin of our term for wages, “salary.”
We don’t give much thought to the value of salt today because it is so readily available. But control of salt works throughout their empire gave the Romans power over life and death. Salt is an essential nutrient for all living creatures. We can’t live without it.
“. . .Ye are the salt of the earth. . .” (Matthew 5: 13-16)
When Christ likened His disciples to the salt of the earth, He compared them to a precious commodity. In fact, Roman soldiers earned part of their wages in salt. The Latin root for soldier is “sal dare,” which literally means, “to give salt,” and any soldier who distinguished himself in battle was said to be “worth his salt.” The Latin term for salt, “salarium,” is the origin of our term for wages, “salary.”
We don’t give much thought to the value of salt today because it is so readily available. But control of salt works throughout their empire gave the Romans power over life and death. Salt is an essential nutrient for all living creatures. We can’t live without it.
Ironically, salt is composed of sodium and chloride, two poisons, which if taken separately can kill; yet combined as salt, they sustain life. Salt also preserves and purifies food, two vital functions in Christ’s time.
Salt's unique properties were considered miraculous, and as a result, it took on religious symbolism. Jews were expected to salt their sacrificial offerings as “an everlasting covenant before the Lord.” And, to this day, when Jews celebrate the Sabbath meal, they dip their bread in salt as a reminder of God’s Covenant.
In referring to salt, Jesus seems to be telling His disciples He is giving them a precious gift - - the gift of living faith, which they are to preserve and sustain for all time. Like salt, the disciples are essential to the success of His mission. He expects them to wage the good fight.
We, too, have received the same Covenant. We are expected to pass the faith on from generation to generation. Just as in Jewish households, mealtime is a good time to share our faith. The next time someone at the dinner table says, “Pass the salt,” it could be a teachable moment.
When Christ likened His disciples to the salt of the earth, He compared them to a precious commodity. In fact, Roman soldiers earned part of their wages in salt. The Latin root for soldier is “sal dare,” which literally means, “to give salt,” and any soldier who distinguished himself in battle was said to be “worth his salt.” The Latin term for salt, “salarium,” is the origin of our term for wages, “salary.”
We don’t give much thought to the value of salt today because it is so readily available. But control of salt works throughout their empire gave the Romans power over life and death. Salt is an essential nutrient for all living creatures. We can’t live without it.
Ironically, salt is composed of sodium and chloride, two poisons, which if taken separately can kill; yet combined as salt, they sustain life. Salt also preserves and purifies food, two vital functions in Christ’s time.
Salt's unique properties were considered miraculous, and as a result, it took on religious symbolism. Jews were expected to salt their sacrificial offerings as “an everlasting covenant before the Lord.” And, to this day, when Jews celebrate the Sabbath meal, they dip their bread in salt as a reminder of God’s Covenant.
In referring to salt, Jesus seems to be telling His disciples He is giving them a precious gift - - the gift of living faith, which they are to preserve and sustain for all time. Like salt, the disciples are essential to the success of His mission. He expects them to wage the good fight.
We, too, have received the same Covenant. We are expected to pass the faith on from generation to generation. Just as in Jewish households, mealtime is a good time to share our faith. The next time someone at the dinner table says, “Pass the salt,” it could be a teachable moment.
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