The Old Man

A Series on the parables of Jesus – Part 2
Salt and light
 (Click on the link below to read the verses.)
Matthew 5:13-16 

[During the first century, it was common for a rabbi to use parables when teaching their disciples. The parables of Jesus were stories that he told to illustrate spiritual truth using some element from everyday life. Jesus used seeds, fish, trees, bread - things people could easily relate to – for a “teachable moment”.]

  

In the 1983 movie “A Christmas Story”, Mr. Parker, better known as “the old man”, received an award. It was a lamp in the shape of a woman’s leg; gaudy at best. With uninhibited pride and enthusiasm, he set it on the table right in the center of the front window, much to his wife’s dismay.

 

He then went outside to admire his glorious prize, and to make sure that all his neighbors could see it. In fact, they began to congregate around him and ask “What is it”. Soon it became the center of attention on the block. Just what the old man wanted.

 

The Sermon on the Mount includes the parable of salt and light which, metaphorically speaking, illustrates how a true disciple should live.

 

¹⁴ “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.   ¹⁶ In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.    NLT

 

Although the old man’s “leg lamp” may not be the best example to highlight Jesus’ parable, it does make the point. The old man made sure to put the lamp where everybody could see it. He just had the wrong motivation.

 

Historically, Christians have led the way with good deeds. They see a need and do whatever it takes to meet it in the name of Christ. Everything from colleges to hospitals to recreational organizations, have been founded by Christians to show Christ’s love and to bring him glory.

 

I like how Eugene Peterson paraphrases these verses in The Message. He’s very direct, but it’s easy to imagine Christ saying it exactly how Peterson wrote it.

 

^13a “Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth.

^14a “Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept… so shine!           MSG

 

The old man inside of us is not interested in being the light. But no matter how big or small the endeavor, we’re called to let our light shine. So… take that first step to let your light shine showing Christ’s love.

 

Copyright 2023 Joseph B Williams