5th Sunday after Epiphany (A)

February 4, 1996

Discipleship is More than a Twelve-Letter Word

(Matthew 5:13-20)

Jesus is preaching to the multitudes on the mountainside. Though He spoke to His disciples, the message is also meant for Christians today. Jesus teaches how to live our lives under the rulership of God. If we take Jesus seriously, we will have one supreme loyalty -- a passion that burns within.

He expects us to live out the Beatitudes He taught. The examples of Christians being salt, light and holy are specific guidance. For Jesus, discipleship is more than a twelve letter word -- it is a lifestyle.

I. Discipleship is Influence (v. 13)

Jesus speaks specifically to His disciples using the personal plural pronoun, "YOU." As part of the discipleship team you and I are called to be salt to a saltless world. We are part of the purification, preservation and flavoring of society with a Christian influence.

Salt has the quality of purity Jesus uses the object lesson of salt to remind his disciples to be a purifying force in society.

Our society is not pure. All types of social evils have overtaken us, from abortion, pornography, euthanasia, and gambling, to political and character assassination. It is done in brothels, back rooms of bars, casinos, living rooms, and in front of live audiences.

God has called His church to demonstrate against such evils. For some Christians, these demonstrations are accomplished by carrying placards, silent vigils, boycotts, in courtrooms. For others such demonstrations are accomplished through our financial investments, by using our businesses and professions to support positive influences, sharing a faithful and prophetic witness with friends, family and co-workers. In whatever possible way God has given you and me, our task is to serve Christ as we influence a decadent society.

Whatever form it takes, it is accomplished by influence. As disciples we must be sensitive, loving and caring even to those who are offenders. Our prayer must echo King David's, "Search me O God and see if there be any wicked way in me."

II. Discipleship is Openness (v. 14-16)

Secret Christian societies are not allowed. A Christian must carry the light of the Gospel to a darkened world. As believers we are an influence for honesty, acceptance, forgiveness and love. As we provide such lights, we transform and brighten the darkness that surrounds us. We are visible witnesses of the lordship of Christ and the presence of God in the world.

A family traveled to Carlsbad Caverns on vacation. When the tour reached the certain point in the cavern, the tour guide turned off all the lights to dramatize the darkness.

One child, suddenly surrounded by darkness, began to cry. An older brother heard the cries and said, "Don't worry. Somebody knows how to turn on the lights."

That is the message of the gospel: even when the darkness seems overpowering, someone knows how to turn on the lights. And He often uses you and me to provide light in dark places in our own parts of the world.