September 28, 2024
A video introduction using illustrations, personal stories, metaphors, or active learning examples to begin the discussion.
After the video, prompts are supplied for thinking and sharing with others personal perception and experience. This opening activity prompts participants to think about and relate to the topic, and to share with others.
Show two identical saltshakers (one with salt, one with sugar), hold up the two shakers and ask the group to identify which contains salt based on appearance alone. Whether they choose accurately is not important. The fact that you will not really know until you taste it is the point.
This can be related to the idea that the real substance of Christianity is found in living it out and experiencing its impact, not just observing it from a distance. What else do you see?
Leave a flashlight on in the room, but in such a way that the light is covered (you could set it on the table light on but face down). The real value of a light is when it is revealed, especially when it is dark.
This activity also underscores the importance of letting one's light shine openly rather than being hidden. These lessons encourage a deeper engagement with faith and the importance of authenticity and visibility in living out Christian values.
The Bible discussion begins with a careful reading of the whole passage, either from your own Bibles, or from the provided images below.
Then participants are to ask:
God’s People Make a Difference in the World
13 “You are salt for the earth. But if salt loses its taste, how will it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled on by people.
14 “You are light for the world. A city cannot be hidden when it is located on a hill. 15 No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket. Instead, everyone who lights a lamp puts it on a lamp stand. Then its light shines on everyone in the house. 16 In the same way let your light shine in front of people. Then they will see the good that you do and praise your Father in heaven.
In Matthew 5:13, Jesus says, “You are the salt of the earth.” What does it mean for us to be "salt" in today’s world? By calling us the salt of the earth, Jesus is emphasizing that we play a crucial role in the world. We are valuable and needed.
However, just as salt needs to be effective, can you be “too salty” or too intense in your actions? Similarly, can you be so full of light that it overwhelms others? When Jesus talks about salt and light, He means that we are meant to be vessels of God’s grace, influencing the world in a balanced and impactful way.
In Matthew 5:16, Jesus says, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” How can we make sure that our good deeds actually point people toward God and not just make us look good? Paul talks about this struggle in Romans 7:15-25, where he deals with the conflict between selfish desires and true goodness. Paul would agree that we should let our light shine, but its Christ’s grace working in us that truly makes our actions meaningful in the world.
A parting video clip with a personal invitation to apply the message to “knowing Christ” and “living in Christ” in the coming week.